No answer from Minister on Donegal-Dublin flights 'causing significant anxiety'

Donegal Cancer Flights & Services have said they are still waiting for a reply from the Minister for Transport, more than a week after a meeting on the proposed new flight timetable between Carrickfinn and Dublin. 

A united Donegal delegation gathered in Dáil Éireann on 10 days ago to press the urgent case for the restoration of reliable same-day and midday medical access on the Donegal-to-Dublin PSO (Public Service Obligation) route, and for the aircraft to be housed overnight at Donegal Airport.

The new terms of the airline contract have sparked significant backlash, with the traditional midday service being removed. Instead, the schedule will shift to an early 6:30 am flight from Dublin and an 8:30pm return from Donegal. Donegal Cancer Flights & Services say they help over 500 patients.

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However, Donegal Cancer Flights & Services have now contacted Minister Darragh O’Brien, having received no update or reply, despite, they claim, a promise to receive one by midweek. He promised to “do his level” best for the service, which caters for over 500 patients in Donegal.

“Dear Minister Darragh O’Brien,” Mary Coyle of Donegal Cancer Flights & Services, wrote on email. “I am writing on behalf of Donegal Cancer Flights and Services following our meeting with you in Dáil Éireann on Tuesday, 24 February, when a united Donegal delegation met with you to discuss the ongoing crisis affecting the Donegal–Dublin PSO air service.

“At that meeting, you acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and the deep anger and frustration being felt across Donegal. You stated clearly that you were not satisfied with the position that has developed and that you would 'do your level best' to resolve the matter. Importantly, you also indicated that you would revert to us by mid-week following further engagement with the airline and consultation with your officials. Regrettably, we have not yet received any update.

“While we fully recognise that the PSO framework operates within legal and contractual constraints, the absence of communication at this stage is extremely disappointing, particularly given the commitment made during our meeting.

“For patients in Donegal, especially those undergoing cancer treatment and other specialist care in Dublin hospitals, the PSO route is not simply a transport service. It is a critical medical lifeline. The ability to travel to Dublin and return home the same day is essential for many vulnerable patients who cannot endure long road journeys or overnight stays while undergoing treatment.

“The current uncertainty is causing significant anxiety and distress for patients and their families, and it continues to undermine confidence in what should be a dependable public service obligation designed to protect connectivity for peripheral regions such as Donegal.

During our meeting you acknowledged that the issue is not fundamentally one of cost, but rather of identifying the appropriate mechanism within the existing framework to ensure the service operates as it was intended. You also indicated that discussions were taking place at the highest level between your Department and the airline, and that you were personally engaged in seeking a resolution.

“Given the urgency of this matter and the clear commitment made to revert to us by mid-week, it is only fair to say that Donegal is now expecting clarity and progress. What patients and families across the county need is a definitive pathway to restoring a reliable midday service and the overnight basing of the aircraft at Donegal Airport, ensuring that the PSO route once again delivers the same-day and midday medical access it was intended to provide.

“The people of Donegal have engaged with this process in a constructive and respectful manner. Our delegation travelled to Dublin in good faith and left the meeting encouraged by your personal commitment to resolve the matter. However, continued uncertainty is not sustainable for patients who depend on this service for access to healthcare.

“We would therefore appreciate an urgent update on the current position and on the steps being taken to bring this matter to a resolution. We remain willing to engage constructively with you and your Department, but the people of Donegal now need to see clear progress and a firm outcome.”