Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has met with the Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie and management of City of Derry Airport to discuss progress to date on the establishment of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Dublin Airport and City of Derry Airport, and the preparatory work underway; and has suggested a 2026 start date for the service.
Minister O’Brien said: “In the context of building our shared Island, the Programme for Government includes a very clear commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports.
“We had a very constructive meeting today on progressing this commitment, and once the preparatory work is completed, I expect services will commence later in 2026 following a procurement process.”
Department of Transport officials are also engaging closely with colleagues in the Shared Island Unit, the NI Department for the Economy, the UK Department for Transport, and the European Commission in relation to any State aid implications and obligations. A Market Sounding Exercise is planned by the Department this year, to better inform the level and frequency of services that may be required on this route.
Attendees at this week’s meeting were Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Charlie McConalogue; Donegal County Council Chief Executive John McLaughlin; Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie; Chairman of City of Derry Airport Albert Harrison; Deputy Chairman of City of Derry Airport Paul Byrne; Director of City of Derry Airport Seamus Neely; Managing Director of City of Derry Airport Steve Frazer; and Department of Transport officials.
