Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
318. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport how many flights from Donegal Airport have been cancelled or not taken off; what reasons have been given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17639/23]
View answerThe current Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract in place on the Donegal/Dublin route, provides twice daily two-way air services, facilitating same day return trips from Donegal, and further international connectivity from Dublin Airport.
In response to the Deputy's question, the table below sets out the number of flights under this contract from Donegal Airport, which have been cancelled per week over the past 3 months.
|
- |
Cancelled Flight |
Reason for Cancellation |
|
w/b 16/01/23 |
0 |
|
|
w/b 23/01/23 |
0 |
|
|
w/b 30/01/23 |
2 |
Technical Issue |
|
w/b 06/02/23 |
3 |
Technical Issue |
|
w/b 13/02/23 |
1 |
Technical Issue |
|
w/b 20/02/23 |
0 |
|
|
w/b 27/02/23 |
0 |
|
|
w/b 06/03/23 |
0 |
|
|
w/b 13/03/23 |
0 |
|
|
w/b 20/03/23 |
0 |
|
|
w/b 27/03/23 |
0 |
|
|
w/b 03/04/23 |
0 |
|
|
w/b 10/04/23 |
3 |
Technical Issue x1 Weather x 2 |
It is extremely unfortunate that technical difficulties with the designated aircraft on this route resulted in seven cancelled flights from Donegal Airport over this three-month period, with affected passengers being offered coach transfers to Dublin or accommodation on the next available flight.
In addition, extreme weather conditions experienced in Donegal last week brought about additional safety restrictions to operations and resulted in two further cancellations, which were non-attributable to the airline.
I can assure the Deputy that regional connectivity is of critical importance to this Government. We are aware that this PSO service is vital to many of those in the North-West region. The airline apologises for any inconvenience caused to customers and continues to work relentlessly to restore the reliability of this service.
My Department continues to monitor the airline's performance in accordance with the PSO contract for the provision of these services.
