Minister Shane Ross has said he will not provide any funding for City of Derry Airport.
The letter was sent to Donegal County Councillor Jack Murray after he lobbied on behalf of the importance of the airport to people across Donegal.
It was sent in response to a motion calling for government support for the airport which was moved by Cllr Murray and received unanimous backing from Donegal County Council.
Cllr Murray said he is extremely disappointed at Minister Ross’s complete refusal to consider financial support for City of Derry Airport.
He said the Minister does not seem to recognise how important the airport is to the people of Donegal.
“The northwest of Ireland is the only region on the island without dual carriageway connection to Dublin. Donegal is the only county in the state without access to rail. This only compounds the importance and necessity of air access.
“40% of passengers who use City of Derry Airport are from County Donegal. This was recognised in the past when the Irish government funded a PSO service from 2001 to 2011.
“While the Fine Gael government took the retrograde step of abandoning the PSO in 2011, it seems that Minister Ross is intent in continuing this policy.
“I now feel that Donegal County Council should send a cross-party delegation to meet with Shane Ross as soon as possible and I have written to both the Mayor and the Council’s Cheif Executive asking that this takes place. We need to ensure that the minister understands the importance of the airport for Inishowen, Donegal and the entire north west.
“My colleague Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has secured a Seanad debate on the issue whilst Martin McGuinness ensured that the Stormont Executive provided a £7millon package to help expand the airport.
“We will continue to fight for the continued growth of City of Derry Airport into the future.”
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