Four cancer patients booked on cancelled Donegal-Dublin morning flight

Four cancer patients were booked on the flight between Donegal and Dublin, which was cancelled this morning. 

The EI 3401 flight, which was due to depart at 7:55am was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions and a coach has been arranged to bring passengers to Dublin Airport. 

“A Public Service Obligation route that cannot reliably get cancer patients to treatment is not fulfilling its obligation,” Donegal Cancer Flights & Services said. “A coach replacement is not an equivalent solution for patients facing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or critical consultations. 

“A four-hour road journey before treatment adds physical and emotional strain. This is no longer theoretical. It is happening in real time.”

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, will meet with Donegal Cancer Flights & Services on Tuesday, February 24, at 1:15pm in Dáil Éireann. 

“Your officials have heard the concerns. They know the reality. This is it. On the 24th, we need more than listening. We need decisive action to guarantee reliable same-day medical access. Cancer patients in Donegal deserve certainty, not contingency plans.”

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The group are hoping to get a resolution and have the PSO contract changed, which cut the afternoon flight service between Donegal and Dublin, operated by Emerald Airlines. 

The new terms of the airline contract have sparked significant backlash, with the traditional midday service being removed. Instead, the schedule will shift to an early 6:30am flight from Dublin and an 8:30pm return from Donegal.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said she is trying to expand services in Donegal, creating a situation where patients do not need to travel for essential treatment. However, the issue of the flight timetable is the responsibility of the Minister for Transport. 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme