State seeks legal advice on Aran Islands flights

The advice of the Attorney General has been sought this week to see how new issues over flights from the mainland to the Aran Islands can be ironed out.

Last summer there were long and difficult negotiations to secure agreement with Aer Arann (Galway Aviation Services Ltd) on the use of Na Minna Airport in Connemara to serve the islands.

And then in January, Aer Arann signed a contract to provide subsidised PSO (Public Service Obligation) flights to the island.

However, islanders are still concerned about the high cost of flying for non PSO flights outside of the regular schedule.

Though the exact figures haven’t been confirmed, some estimates being bandied about state that non-PSO flights outside of the scheduled flights may cost travellers up to €150 return.

This is unacceptable to locals, who were used to ‘cheaper flights on demand’ under the previous contract when there was a demand for additional non PSO flights, such as to cater for extra tourists or to accommodate more people travelling to the islands for weddings and funerals.

The matter was highlighted on RTÉ Radió na Gaeltachta’s morning current affairs programme, Adhmhaidin, where Minister of State Seán Kyne said the issue was referred to the Attorney General.

Speaking to the Connacht Tribune this week, Minister Kyne said he is open to finding solutions whereby there would be cheaper flights on demand but his department cannot stray from the agreement that was signed in January and last Summer.

That agreement provides certainty for PSO flights for the next four years, which has been welcomed by islanders, he said.

“If it can be made easier and more flexibility, within the existing contract that was signed in January then my department will look at it but it has to be within the agreement and that’s why advice has been sought from the Attorney General’s office,” said Minister Kyne.