Significant criticism has been leveled at the Irish government’s decision to proceed with alterations to the Donegal–Dublin flight route. Activists express deep concerns that these changes could negatively impact cancer patients traveling for essential medical appointments.
A new Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract, formally announced on Tuesday, will eliminate afternoon flights. In their place, a revised schedule will be implemented. Crucially, the contract also stipulates that an aircraft will no longer be based overnight in Donegal.
Mary Coyle, representing the charity Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, an organization dedicated to facilitating travel for cancer patients, stated that she and fellow campaigners are “devastated” by the development. The Department for Transport, however, has indicated it will “closely monitor the performance of the new schedule” for the upcoming three months.
Contract Awarded Amidst Concerns
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport confirmed that the government-funded Donegal–Dublin air service has been awarded following a competitive tender process. This new contract, they emphasized, “demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to maintaining vital connectivity to the northwest.”
The service is set to provide two daily return flights between Donegal and Dublin, effectively facilitating onward international connections. The spokesperson further clarified that the early morning flight originating from Donegal and the evening return from Dublin, which is essential for many, including critical care patients needing a daily round trip, will continue to be operated.
New Schedule and Criticisms
Under the revised schedule, set to commence on March 29, 2026, a same-day return service from Dublin will be introduced. An evening departure from Donegal will replace the existing afternoon flight. Mary Coyle, speaking to BBC News NI, expressed her shock and dismay at the department’s decision to proceed with these changes. She described the move as occurring despite what she termed “widespread opposition” to the removal of afternoon flights in favor of the new timetable.
Coyle indicated that she and other campaigners still plan to travel to Dublin on Wednesday morning. Their objective is to deliver a petition, reportedly signed by 15,000 individuals, which voices strong opposition to the planned route modifications and is intended for Minister Darragh O’Brien.
Previously, Kathleen Griffin, who is undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, had informed BBC News NI about the potential repercussions of removing the afternoon flight. She highlighted that such a change could compel cancer patients to incur costs for overnight stays or endure arduous alternative travel arrangements if same-day flights become inaccessible.
“The Forgotten County”: A Plea for Compassion
In further remarks to BBC News NI, Coyle articulated frustration that the individuals most directly affected by this decision were not afforded the opportunity to meet with the minister and present their case. “We have had no chance at all to be involved in the process,” Coyle asserted. “We are not happy about this at all and it just is another example of Donegal, the forgotten county, being let down once again.” She added, “The route wasn’t broken, it was running well, and many people who relied on it for medical appointments were able to benefit from it, but I think what this really shows is a real lack of compassion.”
Despite the decision having been finalized, Coyle confirmed their intention to proceed to Dublin on Wednesday to voice their dissatisfactions.
Donegal Airport Pursues Legal Counsel
In a statement issued by Donegal Airport, the board revealed they were notified on Tuesday afternoon that the Department of Transport had executed a new contract for the Donegal–Dublin PSO route with Emerald Airlines. Donegal Airport conveyed its belief that the new contract does not “maximise connectivity to the region” and therefore does not align with the “spirit” of a PSO route.
The airport also voiced significant apprehension regarding the cessation of overnight aircraft presence in Donegal. This practice, which had been in place for the preceding 21 years, provided “confidence to time-critical users of the certainty of departure on the morning flight.” The board confirmed its ongoing pursuit of legal advice and anticipates concluding its review in the coming days. Their stated priority remains the provision of services tailored to the needs of passengers in Donegal and beyond.
Donegal Airport extended its gratitude to customers and the local community for their robust support during recent times. The statement concluded by indicating that upon consideration of legal advice, the board will determine its subsequent actions and communicate its position to both passengers and the Department of Transport.