Donegal County Council supports call to reestablish Derry to Dublin air link

Donegal County Council is to call on the Irish government to support the restoration of the Derry to Dublin air link.

Buncrana Sinn Féin based councillor Jack Murray received the backing of Donegal County Council to call on the Irish Government to work with the Stormont Assembly to reestablish the Derry to Dublin air link, in recognition of its potential to enhance local tourism, business, and to assist those travelling for medical reasons from the Northwest.

He was speaking at this month’s plenary session of Donegal County Council at Lifford, where he reaffirmed that Donegal was very isolated in terms of its connectivity with the rest of the country.

He said: “We don’t have any rail connection to the capital. We don’t have a motorway to the capital and I think that 13 years ago, the PSO (Public Service Obligation) link from Derry to Dubllin was cancelled. And I think it is now, long past time that was reinstated.

“This council does recognise the importance of air travel to the north west. We do support Donegal Airport and Ireland West Airport in Knock. I’ve used the flight before as Leas Chathoaoirleach to fly from Donegal airport to Dublin. It is no doubt a fantastic service and amenity that means a lot to local people there.

“But of course, from our end of the county, it is just not feasible to go from there as it would not reduce the time for us so Derry Airport in that regard is absolutely essential.     

“I don’t know if the stats have changed but at one point there was 40% of passengers that travelled through Derry airport were from Donegal, so I think that we do have a duty to do it.”

Cllr Murray said that he was happy the new Economy Minister in the North, Conor Murphy had indicated he supported a PSO from Derry to Dublin, but financial support was also required from Dublin. 

He also cited medical travel needs, business and tourism reasons which would mean people could travel directly to Derry and gain almost immediate access to North Donegal.

He added while they wanted a rail network and upgrading of the A5, this flight could again become operational with just financial assistance from the outset.

He thanked Garry Martin from the Donegal County Council team on writing to the Minister to outline the supporting evidence of its need.

Cllr Gerry McMonagle (SF), who by then had taken over the role of Cathaoirleach indicated that he had already agreed to second the motion in advance of being called in as Cathaoirleach.

In the case of the north west he added that connectivity was very important and an air link from Derry to Dublin would also be very important.

“It is a very timely motion,” he said.

DCC’s Garry Martin said it was also timely in the sense that the PSO obligations were currently being reviewed across the country and the only approved PSO air link was Donegal to Dublin, as Kerry had now been commercialised, and provided by Ryanair..  

The fact that Stormont was now also on board with a commitment meant that all would be hopeful of support from Dublin as well regarding the PSO.