Vol. 477 No. 5
339 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the action, if any, he proposes to take to have flights from Dublin to Sligo operate on schedule in view of the problems being experienced since Aer Lingus have withdrawn from the route. [9720/97]
The Sligo-Dublin route is one of four routes covered by the essential air services programme, which is aimed at guaranteeing a minimum level of air service to the areas served by four regional airports. The programme is regulated by EU Council Regulation 2408/92.
Although the Sligo-Dublin route was advertised in the EU Official Journal on three different occasions, these competitions did not produce an acceptable operator for the route. Aer Lingus has not withdrawn from the route and is continuing to provide service until the end of 1997, when the route will again be advertised under the essential air services programme.
