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11 Feb 2026

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

The Department of Transport has executed a new contract with Emerald Airlines for the route - however, the new terms have sparked significant backlash, with the traditional midday service being removed

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

Officials from Donegal at the meeting, which took place in Dublin today

Reporter:

Alan Foley

11 Feb 2026 7:12 PM

Email:

news@donegallive.ie

The Donegal Cancer Flights & Services Committee met today with senior officials from the Department of Transport to discuss the Donegal–Dublin PSO (Public Services Obligation) air service.

The Department of Transport has executed a new contract with Emerald Airlines for the route. 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 a 8:30pm return from Donegal.
READ NEXT: ‘No respect’ - 15,000 Donegal voices ignored as new PSO flight contract signed off

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. Also, Aircraft will no longer overnight at Donegal Airport, ending a 21-year practice that provided certainty for morning departures.
Donegal Cancer Flights & Services Committee said: "The Committee was given a full and respectful hearing, and officials now have a clearer understanding of the lived reality for cancer patients and other essential medical travellers from Donegal who rely on this service as a lifeline.

"Department officials confirmed they will engage directly with the airline, as a matter of urgency, to examine all available options, including the feasibility of basing an aircraft overnight in Donegal. The Committee stressed the critical importance of retaining a workable lunchtime rotation for same-day medical access, as currently operated, and the Department undertook to raise this specific issue with the airline.

"The Department also confirmed that a review will be undertaken. However, it was made clear that the outcome of any review, and any potential changes, will depend entirely on the airline’s cooperation. The Department stated that it will consider all possibilities and revert to the Committee.

"We were advised that a meeting with the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, is expected within the next fortnight.

"While this meeting marks an important step forward, this fight is not yet over. We are only at the beginning of a process, and we will continue to press for a timetable that genuinely delivers the public-service purpose of the PSO. It is, however, significant and welcome that the Department now fully understands the key points we have made, especially the real, day-to-day impact on cancer patients and other essential medical travellers across Donegal."

"The Committee wishes to acknowledge and sincerely thank Pat the Cope Gallagher TD, Pearse Doherty TD, Charles Ward TD, Pádraig MacLochlainn TD, and Charlie McConalogue TD for joining us during the deputation and for their continued support in protecting this vital medical lifeline for the people of Donegal."

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