John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1560. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current timeframe in regards to PSO support for the Kerry to Dublin regional flight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41299/16]

John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1561. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support the PSO subsidy for the Kerry to Dublin regional flight to ensure the viability which is imperative in supporting tourism for the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41300/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1560 and 1561 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, there are currently two Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services supported by the Exchequer through my Department's Regional Airports Programme. These PSO services operate between Donegal and Dublin and between Kerry and Dublin.

The current contract for the operation of these two services, which is held by Stobart Air, will expire on 31 January 2018.  The cost to the Exchequer of subventing these services is approximately €7.6 million per annum.

The continuing justification for the need for any PSO services is reviewed prior to tendering again for such services and my Department is aiming to conduct this review by mid-year. Subject to the outcome of that review, the tender process will commence in the second half of the year to ensure continuity of services in 2018.