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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 May 1996

Vol. 464 No. 8

Written Answers. - Regional Flight Subsidies.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

84 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether the subsidy paid to Aer Lingus for services to Sligo and Galway only covers travel within this State, that is from the regional airports to Dublin Airport. [8968/96]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the provision of services by Aer Lingus on the Galway/Dublin/Galway and Kerry/Dublin/Kerry routes under the essential air services programme. The programme in question relates to the provision of a subsidy in respect of the fulfilment of public service obligations on the above mentioned routes and also on the Donegal/Dublin/Donegal and Sligo/Dublin/Sligo routes.

Contracts in respect of the Galway and Kerry routes were awarded to Aer Lingus following a competitive tendering process and services commenced in January 1995. Completed tenders for the provision of similar services on the Donegal and Sligo routes were invited in March 1996 and are currently being considered. The closing date for receipt of tenders was 15 April 1996.

In accordance with the terms of EU Council Regulation Number 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes, a period of two months must elapse after that date before any selection is made in order to permit other member states to submit comments.

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