Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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374. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of service disruptions, including cancellations and delays, which have affected public service obligation supported flights operating into and out of Donegal Airport at Carrickfinn, including the reasons for these disruptions, by instance, by month, for the years 2014 and 2015 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3655/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Following a public tender process, Stobart Air was selected as the air carrier to operate the Donegal-Dublin and Kerry-Dublin PSO routes under a new contract that commenced in February last year. Prior to that, the Donegal-Dublin service was operated by Loganair. The new contract with Stobart will operate for two years initially and, subject to a satisfactory review after 18 months, it may be extended for an additional year. The contract contains certain performance requirements in relation to cancellations and delays. The number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the air carrier shall not exceed 2% on an annual basis and the number delayed by more than 30 minutes, again for reasons attributable to the carrier, shall not be more than 20%. Financial penalties are provided for in the contract for unsatisfactory performance. Stobart's overall performance on the Donegal route last year was well within these thresholds albeit that weather, which is outside their control, was a factor in a number of cancellations.In accordance with the terms of the contract, the airline submits monthly reports to my Department on the operation of both services, including details of any flights which have been delayed or cancelled and these details in respect of the Donegal-Dublin service for 2014 and 2015 are tabulated below. 

My Department continues to monitor the performance of the airline in conjunction with the airport and is engaging with both parties to ensure that the contract terms are being complied with.

Donegal/Dublin PSO Air Service 2014

DELAYS

CANCELLATIONS

Donegal/Dublin PSO Air Services 2015 

DELAYS

CANCELLATIONS

T = Technical

Ø = Other