A number of Donegal diaspora based in London have called on Donegal Airport officials to create a new flight route from Donegal to the UK.
The plea has been made following the decision by Ryanair to axe their service from London to Derry.
A statement from Ryanair management earlier this week confirmed that the flight from London to Derry would be axed in April 2017.
The news was met with considerable dismay by the Donegal community based in London and other parts of the UK – who used the Ryanair service to Derry on a weekly basis to visit their family at home.
One Donegal man based in the UK has delivered a passionate plea for local representatives and Airport management to come together to find an alternative.
Brendan Gillespie, a craftsman by trade, has said a new route from Donegal to the UK would not only help the diaspora, but would significantly boost tourism and the local economy in the North-West
Gillespie posted the following message on his Facebook timeline in light of Ryanair’s decision to axe their service from Derry to London.
“Another blow for the North-West. Since Aerlingus/Stobart Air changed their timetables on their Dublin/Donegal route so it doesn’t at all work out for anyone wanting to come home at weekends via a London/Dublin connection the London/Derry flight was the best alternative for many.
“And now despite full flights every weekend they axe it. Every one of us are working away from home to send money back home to look after our families and pay the ridiculous taxes that have been imposed, back there by the hero’s in the Dail.
“If people can’t get back to see the fruits of their labour or see our families where’s the incentive! Could just head back home and draw the dole I suppose!!
“The Irish government and our local elected TDs should be doing more for not only us the Donegal diaspora, but for the local tourism and buisnesses to get more travel connections and bring more people back to our lovely county.
“If this isn’t a good opportunity to get Stobart Air to open a Southend/Donegal route I don’t know what is!!”
