Politicians to discuss air service with Aran islanders today

A cross-party delegation of politicians is due to visit the Aran Islands today to discuss the future of its air service, as a row continues over the Government’s handling of a new contract to run the service.

Fine Gael and Labour TDs are among the 16-strong delegation travelling to public meetings on the islands, hosted by the Coiste leis an Seirbhís Aeir a Chosaint (Save Our Air Service Committee).

Last month, Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh announced that Executive Helicopters was selected as the "preferred tenderer" to provide the air service contract for the next four years – replacing Aer Arann Islands, which has provided the link for more than 40 years.

He said the helicopter service would fly from Galway Airport at Carnmore rather than the airstrip used by Aer Arann at Inverin, eight kilometres from the ferry terminal to the islands at Rossaveal. Galway Airport is 52km from the port.

It has since emerged that the decision was made without confirming that Galway Airport was licensed for the new link, and Mr McHugh’s department has now asked Aer Arann to continue its service for another four months.

Aer Arann Islands, which is appealing the decision to select the helicopter company as the preferred tenderer, is making no comment. It has issued notice to its 40 staff from the end of the month.

It is understood it has been given legal advice that it should not facilitate the department’s request to continue the service for another four months, as this could prejudice its appeal.

The Department of the Gaeltacht said yesterday it had “contacted the existing service provider to request a meeting as soon as possible in order to agree an extension to the existing contract from October 1st, 2015 to February 1st, 2016”.

It said it was “awaiting a response to its request from the existing service provider”.