Donegal TD’s Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher and Thomas Pringle have voiced their support for the Department of Transport, Donegal Airport and Stobart Air to explore the possibilities of providing a new route from the airport to London.
The statements from both TD’s come on the back of Ryanair’s shock announcement that they’re suspending operation from Derry to London in April of next year.
Both politicians believe that there is obvious demand for such a service from a tourism, business and connectivity prospective.
Fianna Fáil TD Gallagher believes has called for a route to be adopted on a trial basis to see if its sustainable and viable option.
Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher told Donegal Daily, “There are extremely strong links between the UK and Donegal and the number of people who routinely travel between both jurisdictions is an expanding and growing market.
“The ending of the Derry to London flights was a disaster for the North-West region – as many people relied on that connection on a weekly and routine basis; it is in the absence of such services and connectivity that Donegal Airport must fill the gap in current services and aim to provide flights to London on a trial basis.
In addition to delivering this new London service, Pat the Cope proposed that the authorities must provide a “through fare connection option” for passengers especially those wishing to travel to the UK and mainland Europe, it defies logic as such a service currently exists for passengers wishing to travel from Donegal Airport and onwards to the USA.
Gallagher added, “What I seek is parity for UK – Europe bound passengers with those travelling to the USA from Donegal Airport.
“The potential removal of the Derry service is most regrettable and should be contested by the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland but it also provides an opportunity for Donegal Airport to meet the demand for a London service.
“It provides the Airport with an opportunity to expand passenger choice and the service provider to grow passenger numbers, it is essential that we explore this gap in services which currently exists and advance the case for Donegal-London flights.
Independent TD Thomas Pringle also expressed his support for a new route to the UK, and says its imperative a solution is found following the disbandment of the Ryanair service from Derry-London.
Pringle told Donegal Daily, ““The decision by Ryanair provides an opportunity for Stobart Air to step in and provide a service where people from Donegal in the UK could book from UK airports directly to Carrickfinn.
“We’ve already contacted Aer Lingus and Stobart Air and will be in touch with the relevant stakeholders in the hopes that this innovative proposal would be taken seriously as something much needed for the Donegal region.”
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