Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I understand Deputy Mac Lochlainn's need to get this expedited. He makes a good point about there being no rail and no motorway, and the A5 delay. We should compliment the wonderful Local Link service in Donegal. The Deputy right. I will bring his comments back to the Department officials. I assure him that the current timeline proposed is the optimum one to ensure that important stakeholder engagement and the preparatory work are completed and we can deliver this important service. He is right that we share this. It is an important service that needs to be delivered. It would provide subsidised transport connectivity for the people of Derry and, by extension, Donegal, particularly north-east Donegal. It would also complement the Donegal and Dublin PSO air service which serves the western region of Donegal well. It is important that we have joined-up connectivity for the north west. It will improve transport connectivity. I concur with the Deputy that it is necessary.

In addition, the proposed timeline has also taken into account the lead time, which is necessary for the successful carrier to set up operations and sell fares on the new route. I assure the Deputy that, from our end, we will not be delaying this. We all want to see this service up, running, supported and used, because it is critical. I take the Deputy's point on board.

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