Derry-Dublin flights will benefit entire North West: Durkan

The re-instatement of flights from City of Derry Airport to Dublin will benefit the entire North West region, SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has said.

Mr Durkan was speaking after it was confirmed twice daily flights between the two cities will recommence in April next year.

The flights come after a successful application by City of Derry Airport to the Department for Transport under the Regional Air Connectivity Fund – announced in yesterday’s Autumn Statement at Westminster.

Mr Durkan supported the City of Derry Airport application and lobbied both the British and Irish governments in support of new funding for the route.

He said: “I welcome new funding for the Derry-Dublin route which will bring significant benefits to people on both sides of the border.

“This re-instated service will be of great assistance to both business and leisure passengers alike.

“As well as having meetings with Roy Devine (Chairman of City of Derry Airport) in support of their application to the Regional Air Connectivity Fund, I also wrote and spoke with Robert Goodwill, the Whitehall Minister at the Department of Transport overseeing the Fund. “I was also glad that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement endorsed my request for support for this vital service.”

Mr Durkan concluded: “This new route will help release the best potential of the airport – not just for this city but the entire North West.”