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Councillors to sign letter in support of retaining Donegal-Dublin flight

By Aoife Gallagher, Donegal Democrat

The six local representatives, Cathaoirleach and Independent Councillor Michael McClafferty, Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig, Sinn Féin Councillors John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh, Brian Carr, Fianna Fáil’s Anthony Molloy and 100% Redress Party Denis McGee will sign off the letter in support of the Donegal-Dublin flight

Elected representatives in the Glenties Municipal District (MD) have agreed to sign a letter in support of retaining the Donegal-Dublin flight.

This follows the Department of Transport signing off a new contract with Emerald Airlines for the Donegal-Dublin Public Services Obligation air service. The contract, which is effective from March 29, excludes the midday service and instead, the schedule will shift to an early 6:30am flight from Dublin and an 8:30pm return from Donegal.

Donegal Cancer Flights & Service have had several meetings with the Department of Transport. The charity highlighted the gravity of the situation for patients, families and communities across Donegal who rely on the air service for access to essential medical care and national services.

Moreover, Chairman Garry Martin and Managing Director Eilís Docherty of Donegal Airport met with Department of Transport Officials in Dublin to express concerns over the new timetable. The officials pressed the urgent case for the restoration of the Donegal-to-Dublin PSO route and for the aircraft to be housed overnight at Donegal Airport.

The Glenties MD councillors are unanimously backing the retention of the flight service at Donegal Airport and have agreed to sign a letter to the department.