Jimmy Deenihan
Question:113 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her Department's policy on the increase in subvention for PSO routes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22621/00]
Written Answers. - Air Services.
Any increase in subvention for the PSO routes will not be known until the current tendering process is complete.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department is re-tendering for air carriers to operate the four existing PSO routes which link Donegal, Sligo, Galway and Kerry with Dublin. In addition, I decided earlier this year to impose a public service obligation on the Derry-Dublin and Knock-Dublin air routes and tenders have also been invited in respect of these two new PSOs. The invitations to tender in respect of all six routes were published by the European Commission in the EU Official Journal on 16 September and the closing date for submission of tenders was yesterday, Tuesday, 17 October.