Urgent action in wake of cancer runaway risk in Donegal – Doherty

by Louise Doyle

A DONEGAL TD has called on the Tánaiste to ‘act swiftly’ to ensure the Donegal to Dublin cancer flight is not subject to the passenger cap at the capital’s airport.

On Thursday, the Donegal News revealed the fears for Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, a charity offering subsidized flights for 430 patients to Dublin for treatment, after it emerged that the Irish Civil Aviation Authority confirmed plans to limit seat capacity at Dublin Airport.

Mary Coyle organizes the flights from Donegal to Dublin and other services for patients from Ionad Naomh Pádraig, a community center in Dobhar in the heart of Gaeltact.

“This is a real concern because our service is an important service for so many patients in the county. The flights are used by up to 430 cancer and other patients.

“The planes are also used by children with lifelong illnesses who have to travel up and down to Dublin, as well as dialysis patients and those who would otherwise not be able to attend appointments as they would be too ill to travel by car or bus.

Flights depart from Carrickfinn Airport in Donegal twice daily and return from Donegal Airport twice daily.

Deputy Pearse Doherty is calling on Tánaiste Micheal Martin to intervene to ensure the vital flight is not subject to the passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

Deputy Doherty said the passenger cap should not be applied on the Donegal to Dublin flight.

It is currently the state’s only public service obligation and Deputy Doherty said it is important that the route is not jeopardized by the passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

“Donegal already suffers from a lack of connectivity as it is without access to the rail network and the A5 has not yet been upgraded. If we lose our air link, business and tourism in the county will suffer.”

“There are currently 430 cancer patients who are dependent on the plane to get down to Dublin for treatment. These patients are supported by a local charity, Ionad Naomh Pádraig, who provide return flights for patients and their carers. Many of these people simply cannot make the long journey to Dublin by car.”

Deputy Doherty has promised to keep this case on his radar.

Written: October 14, 2024 at 2 p.m

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