Donegal County Council has called on the Irish Government to reestablish the Derry to Dublin air link for tourism, business, and medical travel reasons in the Northwest.
Donegal is isolated in terms of connectivity, lacking rail and motorway connections to the capital, making the Derry to Dublin air link essential.
Jack Murray said: “we don’t have any rail connection to the capital. We don’t have a motorway to the capital and I think that 13 years ago, the PSO (Public Service Obligation) link from Derry to Dublin was cancelled. And I think it is now, long past time that was reinstated. This council does recognise the importance of air travel to the north west. We do support Donegal Airport and Ireland West Airport in Knock. I’ve used the flight before as Leas Chathaoirleach to fly from Donegal airport to Dublin. It is no doubt a fantastic service and amenity that means a lot to local people there .From our end of the county, it is just not feasible to go from there as it would not reduce the time for us so Derry Airport in that regard is absolutely essential. I don’t know if the stats have changed but at one point there was 40pc of passengers that travelled through Derry airport were from Donegal, so I think that we do have a duty to do it.”
The PSO obligations are being reviewed and the support from Stormont for the air link means there is hope for support from Dublin as well.
