Donegal Cancer Flights & Services to bring petition to O’Donnell Park on Sunday

Donegal Cancer Flights & Services will bring their petition to save the midday Donegal-Dublin flight to Letterkenny on Sunday.

The Department of Transport has executed a new contract with Emerald Airlines for the Donegal-Dublin PSO (Public Services Obligation) air service. However, the new terms 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.

Donegal take on Mayo in Division 1 of the National Football League on Sunday at 1:45pm at O'Donnell Park. Donegal Cancer Flights & Services will be outside the ground before the match collecting signatures to protect the flight by means of a petition that has already gathered over 15,500 names online.

Members of Donegal Cancer Flights & Services Committee meeting with senior officials from the Department of Transport on Wednesday

Donegal Cancer Flights & Services charity, who say over 500 patients avail of the flights from Carrickfinn, and local leaders have protested the changes, stating that the midday flight is a "medical lifeline" for patients travelling for treatment who cannot manage the early/late timings.

Donegal Cancer Flights & Services shared: “Same-day medical access saves lives, and we’re standing up to make sure it’s protected. If you’re heading to the game, stop by, sign the petition, and stand with Donegal patients. It only takes a minute.

“Donegal backs its own, on and off the pitch.”

READ NEXT: Donegal Cancer Flights & Services make their case to Department of Transport

A protest was held at Donegal Airport last Saturday, and a petition that was launched beforehand was available to sign online and in person at the group's base at Ionad Naomh Pádraig Dobhar, An Bun Beag.