The Minister for Transport has been urged to intervene to protect the Donegal to Dublin afternoon flight amid fears it could be lost under a new contract for the Public Service Obligation service.
A new contract for PSO flights between Donegal Airport at Carrickfinn and Dublin Airport is due to commence on 26 February 2026.
While the tender for the 2026 contract requires the provision of two daily return flights, it does not include any requirement for an afternoon service.
It is understood that Emerald Airlines is the preferred bidder to continue operating the route, which it has served since 2022.
Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has warned that proposed changes could result in later morning departures, later evening returns and the complete loss of the afternoon flight. He said this would require the aircraft to travel up from Dublin each morning, increasing the risk of cancellations and making same day return travel far more difficult.
He said the changes would also increase the likelihood that passengers travelling to Dublin for work, appointments or medical treatment would be forced to stay overnight.
Donegal TD Pat the Cope Gallagher said he was aware of the proposals and confirmed that he has been making representations to Government in support of retaining the current schedule.
“I am in constant contact with the Minister and the Taoiseach,” Deputy Gallagher said.
Under the current service, flights operate from Donegal to Dublin at 07.55 and 14.30 Monday to Saturday, with later 10.00 and 13.00 departures on Sundays, while return flights from Dublin to Donegal depart at 12.55 and 18.50 Monday to Saturday, with a mid-morning 11.35 service on Sundays, allowing for same-day return travel.
Deputy Doherty has called for an urgent meeting with the Minister for Transport on the matter.
He said: “It is absolutely scandalous that government didn’t insist on morning, afternoon and evening flights being included in any future contract for PSO flights.
Deputy Doherty stressed that people in Donegal, including cancer patients, depend on these PSO flights.
“The existing flight schedule works because it allows people to travel to Dublin, attend work or appointments, and return home the same day. That is not a luxury, it is a necessity for people in my community,” he said.
“Cancer patients in Donegal also depend on these PSO flights to access treatment in Dublin. These changes to the current service will have devastating consequences for patients who are already under enormous physical and emotional strain.
“Patient need, not cost cutting, should have been the guiding principle in the contract negotiations.
“Donegal already faces disproportionate barriers when it comes to accessing our capital and specialist healthcare. The PSO flights are an attempt to level that playing field somewhat, and they must be protected in full.
“Furthermore, ensuring that the plane is already located in Donegal for the morning flights should have been a contract requirement. Having the plane come up from Dublin every morning significantly increases the likelihood of flight cancellations.”
Deputy Doherty says he has written to the Minister demanding an urgent meeting to discuss this situation.
“The Government must understand this clearly: messing with these flights is not an option. The people of Donegal deserve certainty and cancer patients deserve dignity, compassion and support.”
Fears Donegal to Dublin afternoon flight could be lost under new contract was last modified: January 30th, 2026 by Staff Writer
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