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Transport Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2021

Thursday, 27 May 2021

Questions (110, 111, 112)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 21 April 2021 and the commitments in New Decade New Approach, the specific protocol that exists for the advancement of the ongoing reviews of Belfast to Cork and Derry to Dublin routes; the role of his Department, the Department of the Taoiseach and the North South Ministerial Council in this regard; the specific steps that will be taken when the reviews are completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28866/21]

View answer

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

111. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 21 April 2021, when the review of the Belfast to Cork and Derry to Dublin routes will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28867/21]

View answer

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

112. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 21 April 2021, the reason the Dublin to Derry PSO was discontinued; the date on which it will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28868/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 111 and 112 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, New Decade New Approach gave commitments to achieving greater connectivity on the island via road, rail and air. A particular emphasis was placed on improving connectivity along the Belfast-Dublin-Cork corridor.

Furthermore, the Irish Government set out its intention to take forward a review of the potential for Government support to renewed viable air routes from Cork to Belfast and Dublin to Derry, working with the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to deliver improved connections as a priority.

My Department is progressing this review and is engaging extensively with relevant stakeholders. Department officials have met with representatives from relevant airports as well as representatives from the Department for the Economy (NI). As reserved powers for civil aviation rests in Westminster, they also met with representatives from the Department for Transport (UK).

As the Deputy is aware, air services previously operated on both of these routes. The Belfast to Cork route was operated on a commercial basis whereas the Derry to Dublin route was supported by a PSO, which was funded by the Irish Government. Services ceased on both routes in 2011. In 2010, a Value for Money Review (VfM) undertaken by my Department recommended the ceasing of support for the Derry PSO. Passenger numbers on route had been falling consistently since 2006, with PSO passengers accounting for only 5% of the overall passenger numbers at City of Derry Airport in the final 3 years of the PSO. Falling demand, coupled with the option to avail of the PSO flight from Donegal to Dublin, undermined the argument for continuing to support the Derry PSO.

In consideration of potential supports for renewing services, the Department will take account of previous history, prospective demand, likely costs and long-term sustainability goals, having regard to the recently launched all-island Strategic Rail Review and plans for improved road connectivity, particularly the A5, between Derry and Dublin.

While I expect the review to be finalised shortly, I’m conscious that Covid-19 has brought significant upheaval to the aviation market and demand for air services continue to be suppressed as a consequence of the ongoing threat to public health. In this context, it may be difficult to fully assess options and reach appropriate conclusions until the market stabilises.

This review, as well as the delivery of identified infrastructure projects to achieve greater cross border connectivity, has been on the agenda of all transport sector meetings of the North South Ministerial Council and is part of the work programme led by the Department of the Taoiseach. I will continue to engage on progress related to the review, as appropriate, with the Department of the Economy (NI), the Department for Transport (UK), and the Department of An Taoiseach.

Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 110.
Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 110.
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