' When we go to Dublin, we go united' - flights protest planned for Dáil Éireann

Campaigners will take their protest on the Donegal to Dublin flights debacle to Dáil Éireann next week.

Local bus operators have confirmed they will take people from Donegal Airport at Carrickfinn on Tuesday and Donegal Flights and Services have urged anyone interested to join them on the trip to the capital.

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“On Tuesday, March 24, we will be bringing protest buses from Donegal Airport to Dáil Éireann as part of our growing campaign to protect the Donegal–Dublin air service, a vital lifeline for patients, families, and communities across our county,” they said.

“We will be gathering at the gates of Dáil Éireann at 3pm in a united show of support for this essential service. We are deeply grateful to the local bus operators who have already stepped forward in support - Joe Mangan Tours, Cronan Mac Coaches,  John McGinley Coach Travel, Patrick Gallagher Coaches, Feda Ó Dónaill Coaches and Doherty’s Travel. Want to travel with us? Seats are now being organised. If you would like to book a place on the bus, please contact Ionad Naomh Pádraig: 086-8259752, Donegal will travel together. When we go to Dublin, we go united.”

The Department of Transport said two weeks ago that they aim to have a recommendation for the Minister on the debacle of the new timetable for Donegal to Dublin flights "in a fortnight."

Chairman Garry Martin and Managing Director Eilís Docherty of Donegal Airport met with Department of Transport Officials earlier this month in Dublin to “further express our concerns over the revised timetable which takes effect from March, 29 2026, under the new PSO  (Public Service Obligation) contract on the Donegal-Dublin route.”

Officials from Donegal Airport pressed the urgent case for the restoration of reliable same-day and midday medical access on the Donegal-to-Dublin PSO route, and for the aircraft to be housed overnight at Donegal Airport.

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 6:30 am flight from Dublin and an 8:30pm return from Donegal. Donegal Cancer Flights & Services say they help over 500 patients.