Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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48. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of airline operators that have expressed an interest in the provision of the interim flight service for the Dublin to Donegal route; when he expects a decision will be made by his Department on the selected airline operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36739/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the restoration of regional connectivity is of critical importance to Government, and work to restore air services on this vital regional route was commenced as a matter of priority immediately after the announcement by Stobart on Saturday 12th June that it had ceased operations.

A Request for Quotes (RfQ) was issued by my Department on Monday 21 June, and the final deadline for receipt of submissions was Wednesday 30 June. As the Deputy will appreciate, until successful bidder(s) are announced, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any details pertaining to this procurement process.

That said, I do expect this process to be concluded shortly with a view to services re-commencing on the Dublin/Donegal route this month.