There’s a chink of light for the many direct and indirect employees around Kerry Airport who are on tenterhooks since Saturday morning’s announcement that the Kerry / Dublin route was being axed with the Stobart Air failure.
Education Minister and Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry Norma Foley has welcomed the cabinet commitment to make the Kerry Dublin Public Service Obligation (PSO) route a priority with some good news expected next month.
Implications Being Examined
Minister Foley said that the Department of Transport is currently examining the implications of the weekend announcement by Stobart Air and the cancellation of the Government-funded PSO routes which operate between Kerry and Dublin.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan confirmed his intention to seek a replacement to the PSO service linking Dublin and Kerry on an emergency basis as provided in EU law, subject to a maximum term of seven months.
Procurement Process Launched
Department of Transport officials will also shortly launch a procurement process for a maximum of four years that will continue the provision of the service after the temporary contract has expired.
There has already been significant interest from potential carriers in the route and these options will be fully examined.
Every effort will be made to ensure a new operator can be selected and in place by mid-end July.
Regional Connectivity Critical
Minister Foley said that the restoration of regional connectivity is of critical importance to the people of Kerry.
“Transport Minister Eamon Ryan confirmed to me his intentions to seek an expedited tendering process which aims to have a replacement carrier in place by mid-end of July.
“I am confident Government will continue to engage as a priority with relevant stakeholders until a suitable resolution is reached for the benefit of Kerry and the south-west region,” Minister Foley assured.
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