City of Derry Airport facing funding crisis
Preparatory work is already underway to restore the Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between City of Derry Airport and Dublin Airport in 2026.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien met with the Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie and management of City of Derry Airport earlier today to discuss the progress to date on the air link, which was cancelled in 2011.
A Market Sounding Exercise is planned by the Department of Transport this year, to better inform the level and frequency of services that may be required.
Minister O’Brien said: “In the context of building our shared Island, the Programme for Government includes a very clear commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports.
“We had a very constructive meeting today on progressing this commitment, and once the preparatory work is completed, I expect services will commence later in 2026 following a procurement process.”
Attendees at today’s meeting were Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Charlie McConalogue; Donegal County Council Chief Executive John McLaughlin; Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie; Chairman of City of Derry Airport Albert Harrison; Deputy Chairman of City of Derry Airport Paul Byrne; Director of City of Derry Airport Seamus Neely; Managing Director of City of Derry Airport Steve Frazer; and Department of Transport officials.
