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Deputy Pearse Doherty (right) highlighted the concerns to Tánaiste Simon Harris (left) regarding the Donegal-Dublin afternoon flight operated by Emerald Airlines
Donegal TD and Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Deputy Pearse Doherty raised the issue of Donegal-Dublin flights with the Tánaiste, Simon Harris.
This follows the announcement that the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract between the government and Emerald Airlines was to change as of February 25, 2026.
The change would result in the total loss of a critical afternoon flight, which is used by Donegal Cancer Flights and Services.
READ NEXT: Donegal Cancer Flights & Services will do all they can to maintain current flights
“Tánaiste, the new contract about to be signed by your government for PSO flights from Donegal to Dublin will mean a loss of the afternoon flights,” Teachta Doherty said. “This is a public service obligation. It is supposed to serve the public, but it is not.
“We know that the people of Donegal are rightly outraged at the new proposed contract. Flights from Donegal at 8.30 in the evening and coming back from Dublin at 6.30 in the morning is ludicrous.
“Nobody is demanding that. It won’t work. You will have ghost flights. This is a €17m contract.
“The midday service has worked for decades. It is why nearly 10,000 people have signed a petition in 48 hours – a petition led by a charity that provides support for over 500 people who depend on this flight to get their treatment in Dublin because we live a 9-hour return journey.
“There are many patients, I’ve spoken to them myself, who, if it wasn’t for this flight, would not be able to avail of their cancer treatment. They can’t even book flights now for after the 26th of this month because there is no contract in place. It is not a luxury. This route is a lifeline.
“This is a government contract. It is a Public Service Obligation. It has to serve the public, not the airline. I am asking you to commit that you will not enter into this contract until the midday service is secure.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris said that he understands the concerns and will get Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien to respond to Deputy Doherty.
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