Aran Islands airlink in question?

munchkin_utd

is another pso subsidy going to bite the dust?
This time the aran island link in galway which seemingly eats up 2 million euro a year in addition to the subsidised ferries and the air ambulance service that they also have.

Aran Islanders ready to battle for their air service
November 8, 2012 - 7:00am
by Declan Tierney
Residents on the three Aran Islands are preparing for a major campaign following intense speculation that a Government subsidy to maintain the air services is about to be withdrawn – resulting in the loss of vital jobs.

There are three flights each day to the three islands which residents and business interests say are hugely important to the local economy.

But the Department of the Gaeltacht will not give a commitment to provide the €2 million in subsidies to maintain the air services to Inis Moir, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr.
And if the funding is withdrawn, it also puts in jeopardy the prospect of the airstrips on Inishbofin and near Cleggan being brought into use despite the fact that they cost millions of euro to provide.

Residents and business people from the islands are holding a press conference in the city on Monday to outline their objections to any withdrawal of the air service, which is currently being operated by Aer Arann.

The company fly nine-seater planes to the three islands and it has even been suggested that an increase in the air fare would be acceptable rather than have the service terminated.

bluecode

Most likely a reduced subsidy rather than complete withdrawal. The only people who enjoy reduced fares are the residents of the islands. The rest of us have to pay full fare.

In any case that doesn't mean the end of the Aer Arann service. There is still a requirement.

But a lot of this is in the realms of speculation.

Not sure what you mean by

subsidised ferries and the air ambulance service that they also have.

They don't have a dedicated air ambulance service. SAR helicopter do collect patients from time to time. But it's hardly a perk.

River Song

It'd be a shame if this comes to fruition. Was only on the flights on Tuesday, absolutely fantastic and great company.

GCU Flexible Demeanour

I suppose another option is it could become seasonal. But it would be a pity to see it ending completely.

cailinoBAC

Saw this one:
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/cutting-air-service-will-depopulate-aran-islands-213576.html

crazymaisie

Living on the islands and there is no dedicated air ambulance. I have had to bring my 2 year old twice to A&E on Aer Arann and thank God they were there. In terms of Aer Arann it would be a huge loss to the island especially for older people who cannot go up and down stairs of boat, for peace of mind of pregnant women who know they are a step closer to the hospital, for giving us the opportunity to be connected to the mainland. It's hard to speak for or against a service if a person has no experience of living on the islands.

L1011

Having the air link in place has effectively ensured that nobody bothers putting proper boats on. Arranmore = no air link, got car ferries in the 1980s, now has two companies offering ferries multiple times per day:

http://www.arranmorefastferry.com/

http://www.arranmoreferry.com/Timetable2012.htm

If there was an air link, nobody would bother. Note the lack of steps for foot passengers too...

If they'd kept operating to Galway City it would have an extremely strong reason for existance, but moving it to Inverin strips all that away.

air2000

If they can get the island airports open to GA then there could be a boost to income. Seems to be a lot of money invested and yet the airports are not operating anywhere near their full potential.

scaredofflying

Air 2000, the airports are open to general aviation and always have been with visiting aircraft coming from as far afield as Britain France and Germany plus the regular Irish visitors.