Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that the PSO flight from Donegal to Dublin has been cancelled 12 times in 12 days with significant disruption caused to passengers, many of whom were to attend medical appointments in Dublin; the action he has and will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8028/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that regional connectivity is of critical importance to this Government. The current Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract in place on the Donegal/Dublin route, which provides twice daily two-way air services, facilitating same day return trips from Donegal, and further international connectivity from Dublin Airport, marks Government’s commitment to ensuring continued connectivity to this region.

My Department is aware of the recent disruption to this service. It is extremely unfortunate that a technical difficulty with the designated aircraft on this route resulted in a number of cancelled flights last week, with affected passengers being offered coach transfers to Dublin or accommodation on the next available flight. However, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has been advised by the operator today (15 February) that a standby aircraft has now entered into service and is operational on this route. I have asked my Department to continue to monitor the airline's performance on this route as required under the contract.