merrion street

My officials and I had a positive meeting on Monday with Island representatives. The Department has offered through legal channels to commence discussions with Galway Aviation Services Ltd regarding the possibility of purchasing the airport at Na Minna, on condition that the company withdraws it notice to terminate its PSO contract and the Department’s access to the airport on 6th December.

There is a pressing need to ensure continuity of service after 6th December. The Department has, therefore, been engaging with the Shannon Airport Authority regarding the use of its facilities on an interim basis. The Department is also in the process of appointing an aviation consultant to prepare documents and seek tenders to provide a temporary service between Shannon Airport and the Aran Islands.

In order to ensure continuity of service in the longer term, the Department is also looking at suitable sites for the construction of a new State-owned airport facility at Ros an Mhíl.