Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Junior Gaeltacht Minister has asked for space to resolve the Aran Islands air service controversry, as Aer Arann prepares to stop operating.
The ongoing matter has been raised in the Seanad today by Galway Senator Fidelma Healy Eames.
She outlined concerns over the fact that the current air service contract, which is operated by Aer Arann from Na Minne airport in Inverin, is due to come to an end next week.
It’s understood that Aer Arann has not been given any official notification of any intent to extend their contract into next year, and is not taking any bookings from the end of next week, when the original contract expires.
The new Public Service Obligation contract for the islands’ air service was due to be signed earlier this month.
Yesterday, Galway County Council unanimously passed a motion stating that any proposed use of Galway Airport for an air service to the Aran Islands is not currently permitted.
In the Seanad, Minister McHugh asked Senator Healy-Eames for more ‘time and space’ to deal with the matter.
Aran Islands campaign leader Cathy Nic Goill says campaigners are set to hold a protest at Leinster House in Dublin on Wednesday if the matter is not resolved in the meantime.
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