Donegal flight campaigners tell Minister they want concrete assurances, not process

Donegal Cancer Flights & Services has said want proper reassurances following correspondence received from the Minister for Transport regarding the vital Donegal–Dublin Public Service Obligation air service.

The group said they “asked for certainty - what we received was process”, having received feedback from Minister Darragh O'Brien on the fallout of the new flight timetable between Carrickfinn Airport and Dublin. 

“Cancer patients and people in Donegal cannot rely on process,” they added, putting it bluntly: "When will the full service actually be back in place?".

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A planned protest to Dáil Éireann from the county, which was due to take place on Tuesday, March 24, has been deferred for now.  The revised timetable is set to take effect from March 29, 2026, under the new PSO  (Public Service Obligation) contract on the Donegal-Dublin route.

The new terms of the Emerald Airlines contract would see 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.

Campaigners from Donegal want the restoration of reliable same-day and midday medical access on the Donegal-to-Dublin PSO route, and for the aircraft to be housed overnight at Donegal Airport.

Donegal Cancer Flights & Services met with Minister O’Brien in February, to which the following update was sent to manager Mary Coyle.

“Since this meeting, there have been a number of positive developments. As you know, I sought legal advice from the Attorney General in respect of making changes to the new Donegal–Dublin PSO contract,” Minister O’Brien wrote. 

“I am pleased to confirm that no legal obstacles were identified in this regard. Department of Transport officials have also held positive meetings with Emerald Airlines and Donegal Airport on this matter.

“Both the airline and airport continue to engage constructively in relation to the restoration of the previous schedule and overnighting of the aircraft in Donegal. I also want to reaffirm my strong commitment to this and to maintaining appropriate connectivity for the people and communities of Donegal. 

“The Department is carrying out due diligence, and details of the proposed changes are currently being analysed by all stakeholders. I can assure you that I am directly involved in ensuring this process is concluded and clarity is provided as soon as possible. A significant amount of work is being put into bringing about a resolution to this matter and I anticipate that this will be completed within two weeks.

"Finally, I would like to express my thanks to you and your committee once more for your time and for expressing the very real concerns you have. I have asked my policy adviser, Conor Gallagher, to remain in regular contact with you over the coming week. I look forward to writing to you in the very near future with final clarity once this process has concluded.”

However, a statement from Donegal Cancer Flights & Services this afternoon says they are seeking something more definitive. 

They said: “While the letter references ongoing engagement and indicates a possible two-week timeframe for concluding discussions, it falls significantly short of providing the certainty that cancer patients, families, and communities across Donegal urgently require.

“It does not confirm the restoration of the full service, offers no definitive timeline for the return of normal operations, and provides no guarantee regarding the reinstatement of the crucial lunchtime flight. Instead, the correspondence relies heavily on process-based language, referring to ‘analysis,’ ‘engagement,’ and ‘due diligence’ without delivering any clear or binding concrete outcome.

“Donegal Cancer Flights & Services were unequivocal in what we needed: a commitment, a timeline, and certainty that we could bring back to the people of Donegal. What we received instead was an update on process. 

“Cancer patients and people in Donegal cannot rely on process. They rely on this service for cancer treatment, for family connections, and for basic connectivity. Today, they are still without clear answers.

“It must also be clearly stated that it is the work, determination, and unity of Donegal Cancer Flights & Services and our strong communities that has brought this issue to the forefront and to this critical juncture. This progress has not come by chance, it has come through sustained advocacy, public pressure, and the collective voice of our people. We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary support received, not only across Donegal, but from communities throughout Ireland and further afield. That solidarity has been powerful, and it continues to drive this vibrant campaign forward. 

"While the Minister has referenced ongoing discussions around restoring the previous schedule, including the overnight basing of the aircraft in Donegal, this remains a statement of intent rather than a firm commitment or guarantee. Describing discussions is not the same as making a decision. The fundamental question remains unanswered: When will the full service actually be back in place?

“This correspondence provides no substantive answers or resolution, offering instead an outline of ongoing procedure only. However, the indication of a two-week timeframe is noted, and the Minister will be held to that commitment. Donegal Cancer Flights & Services is prepared to allow this period in good faith, but there can be no extension, no further delay, and no ambiguity at its conclusion.

“At the end of these two weeks, there must be clear confirmation of the exact date for the full restoration of the previous schedule, including the return of the lunchtime flight and the overnight basing of the aircraft in Donegal. This must be delivered as a matter of urgency, and any proposal involving a delay will not be acceptable. In light of this development, the planned protest mobilisation to Dublin will be deferred at this time. 

“However, should the outcome at the end of the two-week period prove unsatisfactory, this action will be reconsidered and will proceed on Tuesday, April 14, 2026."