Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
221. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide public service obligation funding for flights between Cork and Belfast; if this is on target to be delivered in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3492/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in the context of supporting greater connectivity on the island of Ireland, the Irish Government has agreed ‘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’ as part of its commitments under New Decade New Approach.
My Department has progressed a desk based review in this regard and has engaged extensively with relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the Department for the Economy (NI). Engagement has also taken place with the Department for Transport (UK), given that civil aviation is a reserved matter and is under the remit of Westminster.
In consideration of potential supports for renewing services on both the Cork to Belfast and Dublin to Derry routes, my Department is taking 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. Potential options explored for assisting the renewal of air services on these routes include Public Service Obligations (PSOs).
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 of cross-border infrastructure and investment commitments under the New Decade New Approach agreement.
