Tánaiste Simon Harris has said he will ask Minster for Transport Darragh O'Brien to respond to concerns about possible plans to change scheduled public service obligation (PSO) flights between counties Donegal and Dublin.
The move follows concern in the northwest that the airline providing the PSO services may alter existing flight times, which could affect patients who depend on the route for essential medical treatment.
Responding to Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty in the Dáil, the Tánaiste acknowledged Mr Doherty "rightly pointed out" patients and their families depend on the air service to access specialist medical care, including cancer treatment.
"I am clear that the route is not about convenience," he said.
"It is about trying to manage illness with dignity and reducing the physical and emotional strain of the long journeys," the Tanáiste added.
The current PSO contract for flights between Donegal Airport in Carraig Fhinn and Dublin Airport expires on 25 February, with a public procurement process nearing completion and a new contract due to commence on 26 February.
Donegal Airport told RTÉ News that it became aware in mid-January, through third parties, that proposed timetable changes had been included in the airline’s tender submission.
Flights currently operate twice daily in each direction from Monday to Friday, departing from Co Donegal at 8am and 2.30pm, and from Co Dublin at 12.55pm and 6.50pm.
Donegal Airport understands the proposed timetable would include 6.25am and 6.50pm departures from Co Dublin alongside 8am and 8.30pm departures from Co Donegal.
The Board of Directors and Management of Donegal Airport’s chairperson said in a statement they have been working to highlight their "grave concerns over the proposed changes, to the Minister for Transport".
Mr Doherty said the service is a lifeline, not a luxury for many people.
"There are many patients, I’ve spoken to them myself, who, if it wasn’t for this flight, would not be able to avail of their cancer treatment," he said.
"They can’t even book flights now for after the 26th of this month because there is no contract in place," he added.
The Sinn Féin TD asked the Tánaiste to commit that the Government will not enter a contract until the midday service is secure.
He said: "Tánaiste, the new contract about to be signed by your government for PSO flights from Donegal to Dublin will mean a loss of the afternoon flights.
"This is a public service obligation.
"We know that the people of Donegal are rightly outraged at the new proposed contract.
"Flights from Donegal at 8.30 in the evening and coming back from Dublin at 6.30 in the morning is ludicrous."
Mr Doherty said "nobody is demanding" such a service, adding "it won’t work".
"You will have ghost flights. This is a €17 million contract," Mr Doherty said.
The Tánaiste said he understood the concerns, adding that he would ask Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien to respond directly.
Mr Harris said he had "briefly engaged" with the minister about the issue, adding Mr O’Brien is "continuing to monitor the operation and performance of the service in line with the terms of the existing PSO contract".
"However, on foot of the Deputy mentioning this I will ask the minister, deputy O’Brien, to come back to him directly," the Tanáiste said.
A spokesperson for Emerald Airlines, who currently provide the PSO service between Donegal Airport and Dublin Airport, said they are "unable to comment at this time" due to the "current procurement process".
CSO data shows 50,530 passengers used Donegal Airport in 2024 compared to 41,867 in 2023, representing a 21% increase.
Passenger numbers continued to rise last year with the airport recording 51,729 passengers by the end of November 2025.
An online petition calling for the protection of the afternoon flights has received more than 10,000 signatures.
Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, which supports patients travelling for cancer care and other specialist treatments, said the removal of the afternoon flight would make same-day travel for such care increasingly difficult.
The group fears a revised schedule could jeopardise arrangements with oncology departments in Dublin hospitals that allow patients to depart in the morning, receive early hospital appointments and return home on lunchtime or early evening flights.
Mary Coyle of Donegal Cancer Flights and Services fears early morning departures from Dublin are vulnerable to weather-related disruption and late evening return flights may force many patients to pay for overnight accommodation in Dublin.
"Many are already under severe financial strain due to leave or reliance on pensions," she said.
In a letter to elected representatives, Ms Coyle said she would welcome clarification on whether any consultation took place with Donegal Airport or relevant stakeholders.
Donegal Airport’s statement said they previously informed department officials that the existing timetable best met passenger needs, particularly for time sensitive travel.
The airport said midday flights are critical for tourism connectivity, allowing passengers from early to mid-morning international flights to connect onwards to Co Donegal.
Mr Doherty questioned the demand for 6.30am flights from Dublin to Donegal, adding the service "has to serve the public".
"The midday service has worked for decades," he said.
"It is why 10,000 people have signed a petition in 48 hours - a petition led by a charity who provide support for over 500 people who depend on this flight to get their treatment in Dublin because we live a nine-hour return journey," he added.
A Department of Transport spokesperson said a public procurement process compliant with EU regulations is under way to ensure air services continue after the current contract expires on 25 February.
The department spokesperson did not directly address the concerns but said the Government is committed to ensuring the continuation of air services on the route.
The PSO route has operated twice daily since 2004.
