Plans to restore the long-awaited Derry-Dublin route have once again been delayed, as City of Derry Airport (LDY) miss their initial October launch target, with an airline operator yet to be appointed. Passengers are forced to wait longer for the return of the direct route, which aims to provide stronger connections between the North West region and the Irish capital city.
Brexit Hurdles and Bidding Delays
Despite 2 million euros (1.76 million pounds) in allocated funding through the Irish Government’s Shared Island Fund, post-Brexit restrictions have stalled the launch. The official search to appoint an airline operator, conducted by the Republic of Ireland’s Department of Transport (DoT), centres on issuing a formal Request for Tenders (RfT) under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme. Because City of Derry Airport (LDY) now operates outside of the European Union, the service cannot follow standard EU regulations.
The DoT is currently in talks with the chief state solicitor’s office and the attorney general to establish a new legal framework. The RfT is expected to be published shortly, with an operating contract targeted before the end of the year.
Speaking earlier in the week to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme, Sinn Féin Donegal TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said:
“Hopefully this happens very, very soon and I have been in contact with the team at City of Derry Airport and they are still very hopeful that this can happen before the end of the year.”
A Crucial Step for the North West
A government-subsidised route previously provided daily services linking the two cities, but was withdrawn in 2011, as it was deemed economically non-viable.
Approximately 40% of passengers using City of Derry Airport hail from County Donegal, with the revived route aiming to fill a much needed gap in transport links. The launch delay has come as a disappointment to the North West, as Donegal currently lacks rail connections to Dublin and faces ongoing delays surrounding the A5 motorway upgrade. Donegal County Councillor, Joy Beard said:
“This would be a very valuable connection for Inishowen, Donegal and the wider North West. Donegal has no rail link to Dublin and people are heavily dependent on road transport, so the service would provide another important option for work, medical appointments, education, business, tourism and onward travel.”
The return of the Derry-Dublin service promises to improve these regional connections and restore a direct link that has been missing for the last 15 years.
Has the route launch delay impacted you? Do you think there needs to be more regional connectivity? Let us know in the comments.
