Written answers

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Air Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1044: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reinstate the public service obligation agreement regarding the Derry to Dublin flight in view of the designation of Derry city as UK City of Culture 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22967/11]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The decision by the previous Government to reduce to two the number of routes covered by public service obligation (PSO) air services was taken in line with the Value for Money Review of the Exchequer Expenditure on the Regional Airports Programme published in January 2011. This review took account of a number of factors including the performance of the services, the requirement to make best use of scarce Exchequer resources as well as improvements in alternative transport modes and changes in EU legislation covering PSO services.

It is not my intention to revisit that decision regarding the Derry/Dublin route. The PSO services to Knock, Galway and Sligo were also discontinued earlier this year. I have decided to retain the services to Donegal and Kerry for 3 more years.

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