ARAN ISLAND DELEGATION TO MEET MINISTER MCGINLEY OVER FUTURE OF AIR SERVICE

Date Published: 20-Nov-2012

The Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has agreed to meet a delegation from the Aran Islands today to discuss concerns over the future of the air service.

Dinny McGinley is to convene a gathering with a deputation of six or seven islanders at the Departments Kildare Street offices this afternoon [Nov 20 @ 1pm].

It follows mounting local fears of a withdrawal of state subsidies for the Aer Arann service.

In statements to date, the Department says no decision has been made yet as it has not yet been informed of its financial allocation for next year.

Its current contract with Aer Arann will expire on the 31st of August 2013.

The four year contract, worth over 6 million, provides for 3 daily return flights to Inis Mór, 2 daily return flights to Inis Meain and to Inis Oírr on weekdays with four return flights on weekends.

Galway West Oireachtas members are also invited to attend Tuesday’s meeting.

Fine Gael Deputy Sean Kyne says it will allow islanders to air their concerns.