Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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120. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reassert his commitment to support the Kerry to Dublin air route in the event of future commercial market failure on the route, as was asserted in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25530/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his continued interest in connectivity to this region.

Although operated as an Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service in the past, as is allowed under Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community, an air carrier has operated the Kerry/Dublin route on a commercial basis since July 2021.

As a PSO is no longer imposed on the Kerry-Dublin route, the operation of this route is a commercial matter for the carrier providing the service.

That said, I can reassure the Deputy that regional connectivity remains critically important to this Government. In the event of any lost or failed services, whether provided by way of PSO or otherwise, Government must adhere to Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008. Any review, if required, to consider whether a PSO should be established on this route, will be undertaken in accordance with this Regulation.