THE Donegal-Dublin route is not included on a temporary replacement schedule by Aer Lingus for its regional routes.
Services, including flights in and out of Donegal Airport, were grounded yesterday after Stobart Air announced it has ceased operations.
Are Lingus’ temporary schedule will run today and cover seven of the 12 affected routes.
The schedule will run for at least the next week.
The Donegal-Dublin flights and also the Kerry-Dublin route, will not resume as part of the temporary measures.
Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty called for Government intervention on the matter.
The Sinn Féin TD said: “I look at the role that the Donegal to Dublin route has in my own constituency and it’s not hard to see why our community needs the services that this route provides.
“The daily flights from Donegal to Dublin not only open up the northwest to tourism, but they also serve cancer patients who have to travel to Dublin for treatment.
“Many students, workers and businesses depend on the route as well.”
Dungloe-based Fianna Fáil Councillor Noreen McGarvey said yesterday’s news represented a ‘devastating blow’.
She said: “We must ensure that rural Donegal is reconnected as the gateway to the county by air.
“Travel times of 4-5 hours by car or bus is not a suitable option particularly for people attending early morning hospital appointments.”
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