Dublin-Sligo link ends as Aer Arann abandons some regional services

THE 28-YEAR air link between Dublin and Sligo ended yesterday as Aer Arann finished services between Dublin and a number of regional airports which are no longer viable without State funding.

Eleven jobs in the check-in and catering areas have been lost at Sligo airport, which will no longer operate scheduled flights.

The airport remains open with 16 staff and will continue to handle the Irish Coast Guard helicopter service and private charter and medical evacuation flights.

Aer Arann flights between Dublin and Galway, Knock and Derry airports also finished yesterday as a result of the decision to end all public service obligation (PSO) contracts which was announced last January by the previous minister for transport, Noel Dempsey.

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has confirmed that from next year the Government will only be able to support the four regional airports at Donegal, Knock, Kerry and Waterford.

No State funding will be available for Galway or Sligo from the beginning of 2012.

The president of the local chamber of commerce expressed concern about the impact on business and tourism.

“Our concern is about the impact this will have on foreign direct investment and on tourism,” said Gerry Moore, president of Sligo Chamber of Commerce, who said that, despite improved road and rail networks, air access was still an important factor when wooing investment.

He welcomed the fact that some State investment (under the Operational and Capital Expenditure Programme) had been allocated to Sligo this year, but said the loss of the PSO funding was a serious blow.

Fianna Fáil Senator Marc MacSharry said he had called six weeks ago for a cross-departmental team to assist airport management in examining the future of the airport.

The board of Galway airport has announced the formation of a strategic group charged with developing a plan for the airport in light of the Government’s recent announcement that both PSO and operational expenditure support is to be withdrawn .

Galway airport had sought a subsidy of €1.2 million to help it meet costs in 2012. Management at the airport, which has a workforce of 180, has said that 85 per cent of its traffic is international.

Joe Corcoran, manager at Sligo airport, said he had “absolutely no doubt” it would survive. He said yesterday was a sad day, especially for the workforce, many of whom had worked there for 25 years. “But at the end of the day this announcement is six months old.”