Derry-Dublin PSO air service could be re-established next year – McConalogue
Inishowen Minister says return of route – which is often used by Donegal patients requiring treatment for serious illness in Dublin – would be a “major boost”
Department of Transport officials have commenced the work necessary for the return of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between City of Derry Airport and Dublin Airport in 2026 – that's according to Donegal Minister of State Charlie McConalogue.
Speaking following a recent meeting with the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, the Inishowen Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy said: “This work is in line with the government decision taken on February 25th, when the government noted that the Minister for Transport would progress preparatory work to introduce a PSO route to establish air connectivity between Derry and Dublin airports in 2026.”
The Inishowen Minister said the reestablishment of the route – which is often used by Donegal patients requiring treatment for serious illness in Dublin – would also be a “major boost” for the economic development of the North-West, providing vital connectivity.
He explained: “During our meeting, Minister O’Brien confirmed that his officials are working closely with the Shared Island Unit of the Department of the Taoiseach to agree a funding model for the PSO.”
“Minister O’Brien said that, similar to the work being progressed for the retendering of the Donegal-Dublin PSO, the imposition of a PSO air service in 2026 requires a number of steps to be undertaken. These are being progressed by the Department through a number of stages, with the aim of having the contract to operate the service on the route commencing by October 2026.”
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Minister McConalogue added: “Minister O’Brien has agreed to meet with senior officials from City of Derry Airport to discuss the Derry-Dublin PSO further in June – a development I very much welcome. City of Derry Airport is a crucial piece of infrastructure for the North West and I will continue to work with the airport and government colleagues, with the objective of getting the Derry-Dublin PSO up and running.”