Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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170. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address the issue of the public service obligation at Kerry Airport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32886/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, Stobart Air held the contract for operating Government supported PSO air services on two routes between Dublin and the airports of Kerry and Donegal.  The recent termination of its franchise agreement with Aer Lingus had immediate implications for both PSOs and I appreciate the impact of this for service users.

I can assure the Deputy that the restoration of regional connectivity is of critical importance to Government.  Work is already progressing to restore air services on these vital regional routes as soon as possible. 

In that respect, and as announced on 15 June, an emergency procurement process has been initiated by my Department.  I hope that this process will be completed by early July with a view to services re-commencing by the new operator(s) as soon as possible thereafter. The contract(s) will be subject to a maximum term of 7 months and will operate in accordance with EU law.

To mitigate against any further disruption to these services, my Department will shortly launch a procurement process for the continued provision of the services after the temporary arrangements have expired.  This procurement process will provide for contracts of up to 4 years, in line with EU law, and will ensure the continuation of services to Kerry Airport as it recovers from the impacts of Covid.

My Department will continue to engage closely with aviation stakeholders, including Kerry Airport, to keep them informed of plans in this regard.