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John Mulhern.
THE Department of Transport recently invited interested parties to put forward any opportunities they wish to be considered for inclusion in the upcoming mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025.
Consideration may be given to reinstating the Public Service Obligation contract on route between Kerry and Dublin Airports as part of the review process if at any stage the route becomes commercially non-viable for Ryanair.
In a letter to various local business representative organisations the CEO of Kerry Airport, John Mulhern, said; “Passenger growth on all routes, in particular on the Kerry-Dublin route, since the pandemic confirms demand and underlines the airports’ importance in providing connectivity to the region.
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“Although at different scheduled times of operation, Ryanair have made every effort to recover the Kerry-Dublin route and recent passenger numbers exceed even the numbers experienced in 2019 when it was at its most successful. We must not take this for granted and therefore the Government needs to commit to reinstating the PSO contract on the Dublin-Kerry route if Ryanair decides to cease providing the service in the future.”
The mid-term review of the Regional Airports Programme will consider how it is currently delivering on its objectives, primarily in the context of supporting balanced regional development. It will also explore how international connectivity and services, to and from the regions, can be maintained and enhanced.
Kerry Airport acts as an economic driver for the region and has a major impact on the social and economic infrastructure of the surrounding area.
John Mulhern’s letter to local stakeholders urges them to remind the Government not to “overlook the considerably lengthy journey times that still exist for people traveling between Dublin and many parts of Kerry”.
The Government’s continued support for Kerry Airport represents major support for rural Ireland and is helping to sustain jobs and create new ones.
Submissions to the mid-term review of the Regional Airport Programme should be made via email to airportsdivision@transport.gov.ie by 31st January 2023.
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