Derry to Dublin air route expected to re-open ‘next year', says Irish minister
Mr O'Brien has confirmed that he expects services to commence later in 2026.
Mr Eastwood said: 'This is great news for Derry and it's another important part of enhancing connectivity between every part of the island to drive investment, create jobs and deliver more opportunities for people in the North West.
'The Irish Government set out a clear and positive commitment to establish a new public service obligation route between Derry and Dublin in the Programme for Government this year and I am delighted that Minister Darragh O'Brien and others have wasted no time in rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.
'This is a great example of how prioritising investment across our shared island can deliver for people and communities in every part of Ireland. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with the Minister and the whole Irish Government to deliver on shared priorities.'
Earlier, Mr O'Brien met with the Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie and management of City of Derry Airport.
They discussed the progress to date on the service between Dublin and Derry City airports, and the preparatory work under way.
Mr O'Brien said: 'In the context of building our shared Island, the Programme for Government includes a very clear commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports.
"We had a very constructive meeting today on progressing this commitment, and once the preparatory work is completed, I expect services will commence later in 2026 following a procurement process.'
Irish Department of Transport officials are also engaging closely with colleagues in the Shared Island Unit, Stormont's Department for the Economy, the UK Department for Transport, and the European Commission in relation to any State aid implications and obligations.
A Market Sounding Exercise is planned by the Department this year, to better inform the level and frequency of services that may be required on this Public Service Obligation (PSO) air route.
Attendees at today's meeting were Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Charlie McConalogue; Donegal County Council Chief Executive John McLaughlin; Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie; Chairman of City of Derry Airport Albert Harrison; Deputy Chairman of City of Derry Airport Paul Byrne; Director of City of Derry Airport Seamus Neely; Managing Director of City of Derry Airport Steve Frazer; and Department of Transport officials.
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