Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has announced the awarding of a new €4.9 million air service contract for the Aran Islands (Oileáin Árainn).
The Aran Islands are set to benefit from a new €4.9 million air service contract which will last until 2026.
For the first time, the contract ensures the provision of a direct service from the mainland to Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr, which will ensure faster service for those smaller islands.
The four-year contract will begin on Tuesday 7 June and will ensure a vital connection to the mainland for island communities while also making a significant contribution to tourism.
Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys said that the contract provides reassurance to the people of the Aran Islands.
She said that it ensures that they have access to reliable and affordable air service from Connemara Airport all year round.
Minister Humphreys added that this is good news for the people of these islands, and sends out a strong message at the start of the tourist season.
“New contract is a major boost ahead of summer tourism season.”
“There’s no better way to spend a summer holiday than on the Aran Islands or any of the offshore islands,” she said.
The contract will provide 68,274 PSO seats annually to the 3 islands and will operate from Aerfort Chonamara, which was purchased by the State in 2019.
The contract will also see the introduction of a flexible scheduling scheme that will allow operator to better respond to local service demands, such as island festivals and events. ‘Ad Hoc’ and ‘Scheduled non-PSO’ flights will also be provided by the operator to meet any demand above the agreed PSO seating allocation.