Mayo travel company goes bust

CUSTOMERS IN the west of Ireland are likely to miss out on their sun holidays following the collapse of a Mayo-based tour operator.

Ronane Travel, also known as Great Escapes, ceased trading yesterday, the Commission for Aviation Regulation said in a statement.

It is “highly unlikely” that bookings will be honoured, either those made directly with the company or indirectly through another travel agent, the commission advised.

The company, which was based in Swinford, Co Mayo, sold flights and package holidays departing from Ireland West Knock Airport. Destinations included Faro, Crete, Salou (Reus) and Lanzarote

Ireland West Airport Knock yesterday said it greatly regretted that the operator had closed.

Efforts are being made to allow people travel home on flights they booked. The commission is “in discussions with the relevant air carriers in relation to their repatriation as originally scheduled”.

Affected customers can claim a refund through the aviation regulator. The Commission for Aviation Regulation said all applications should include documentary evidence of the claim as well as reimbursement forms available from its website.

Ronane Travel had been established for a few years and employed around six staff. It launched its website www.greatescapes.ie in May of this year. The website is now offline. The commission is contactable on 01-6611700 or www.aviationreg.ie.