THE Department of Transport has formally commenced the emergency tender process for the restoration of the Donegal to Dublin flight, it has been confirmed.
The Department, in response to a parliamentary question by Donegal TD Pearse Doherty, confirmed that all Irish licensed (Category A) air carriers, as well as other carriers who have expressed an interest in operating these services, were issued with a Request for Quote (RfQ) document on 21st June.
The closing date for receipt of quotations from air carriers, in response to this RfQ, is 5pm on Monday 28th June 2021.
The Department further stated that the evaluation of submissions will commence immediately afterwards with the restoration of services expected in July.
Deputy Doherty said: “I welcome the news that this process has formally commenced and I am glad that the Department saw sense and accepted the proposal I made to provide an interim carrier, rather than going to a full tender process at this time.
“I also welcome confirmation that the Department will shortly launch a procurement process for the continued provision of the services after the temporary arrangements have expired.
“I am told that this procurement process will provide for contracts of up to 4 years, in line with EU law, and will ensure the continuation of services to Donegal Airport as it recovers from the impacts of Covid.
“As I have said previously, this service is vital for the North West and it must be restored as soon as possible.”
Earlier this month, services, including flights in and out of Donegal Airport, were grounded after Stobart Air announced it has ceased operations.
Are Lingus installed a temporary schedule for seven of the 12 affected routes.
The Donegal-Dublin flights and also the Kerry-Dublin route, did not resume as part of the temporary measures.
The Department’s response to Deputy Doherty’s query said: “I can assure the Deputy that the restoration of regional connectivity is of critical importance to Government. Work is already progressing to restore air services on these vital regional routes as soon as possible.
“To mitigate against any further disruption to these services, my Department will shortly launch a procurement process for the continued provision of the services after the temporary arrangements have expired.
“This procurement process will provide for contracts of up to 4 years, in line with EU law, and will ensure the continuation of services to Donegal Airport as it recovers from the impacts of Covid.”
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