Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Mar is eol don Aire Stáit, tá imní mhór ar phobal Oileán Árainn faoi thodhchaí na seirbhísí aeir chuig na hoileáin. Faoi láthair, tá seirbhís laethúil ann chuig na trí oileán ó Aerfort na Minne atá á reachtáil ag Aer Arann faoin PSO. Tá an tseirbhís sin ann le 40 bliain anuas. D'fhógair Roinn an Aire Stáit go mbeadh seirbhís nua ann ó mhí Dheireadh Fómhair amach agus gur seirbhís héileacaptair a bheadh ann, ag fágáil ó aerfort an Chairn Mhóir, atá suite ar an taobh thoir de chathair na Gaillimhe. Tá an fógra seo tar éis imní mhór a chothú maidir le todhchaí fadtéarmach na seirbhísí chuig na hoileáin. Tá neamhchinnteacht ann faoi thodhchaí aerfort an Chairn Mhóir féin. Ní fada ó shin a cheannaigh Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe agus Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe é agus ní fios fós cad a tharlóidh ag deireadh na bliana seo. Mar is eol don Aire Stáit freisin, tá ceangal éasca ann idir an tseirbhís ó Aerfort na Minne agus an bád ó Ros a' Mhil agus seirbhísí áitiúla eile sa gceantar ach chuir an t-aistriú chuig an gCarn Mór isteach go mór orthu seo ar fad. Tá ceisteanna ann freisin faoi thodhchaí na n-aerstráicí ar na hoileáin atá in úinéireacht poiblí.

Tá todhchaí na n-oileán ag brath go hiomlán ar aersheirbhís fhónta. Tuigim gur iarr an tAire Stáit ar Aer Arann leanacht lena sheirbhís go dtí deireadh mhí Feabhra. An féidir leis an Aire Stáit insint don Teach anocht an bhfuil sé socair go leanfar ar aghaidh leis an tseirbhís ó Aer Arann go dtí mí Feabhra agus cathain a mheasann sé go mbeidh an cheist seo réitithe agus imní an phobail curtha i léig go hiomlán?

As the Minister of State is very much aware having engaged with the community, there is huge worry and a sense of imminent catastrophe that the critical air link between Aerfort na Minne, near Indreabhán, and the three Aran islands is under threat.

I understand the Minister of State announced a number of weeks ago that a new helicopter service would go from Carnmore in the east of the city to the islands. As he knows, a number of questions have arisen as to the viability of that service. Both councils are of the view that the future of the Carnmore airport is in doubt. It was purchased recently, but the current operator only has a lease until the end of the year and the plans for its use have not been settled. Therefore, the service that the Department announced as having won a tender seems to be in question. It was intended to replace a service that was operated by Aer Arann from Na Minna airport near Indreabhán for more than 25 years, one with an exemplary record and the trust of those living on the Aran Islands. It operated in a cohesive and integrated manner with the public. There was trust, flexibility, a relationship and a history spanning decades of good service, safety and crucial connectivity for the islands. As the Minister of State is aware, every service that is a fundamental of island life - teachers, nurses, doctors, repairmen to fix washing machines etc. - depends on connectivity, particularly via the air service. There is a concern that the air service will be lost.

I wish to ask the Minister of State two questions. I understand that he has asked Aer Arann to continue the service for a number of months. Will he update the House on that matter? When will we be in a position to sort out this mess - the process has shown flaws - and give certainty and comfort to those on the Aran Islands who desperately need this service to continue?

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