By Conall Ftharta

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Any plans to remove funding for the 42-year-old air service to the Aran Islands could spark an irreversible decline in the population of the islands, it has been claimed.

Residents on the three islands Inis Mr, Inis Mein, and Inis Orr are planning a campaign to save the service, amid speculation that the public service obligation (PSO) funding to maintain it is to be withdrawn.

Provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht, the funding amounts to just under 2m a year.

It provides for three daily return flights by Aer Arann to Inis Mr and two daily return flights to Inis Mein and to Inis Orr on weekdays, with four return flights on weekends.

Additional flights are also provided depending on demand. In addition, a separate contract is in place with Bainistocht Aerfoirt Teo, a subsidiary of Aer Arann Islands, to manage the three aerodromes on the islands.

Although the department has declined to confirm or deny that the funding is to be withdrawn in the budget, residents on the islands believe the decision has been all but rubber-stamped. While there is a ferry service, islanders have stressed the importance of the air link, particularly in winter time.

Ruair de Blacam, who owns and runs Inis Mein Restaurant and Suites, said the air service was a necessary lifeline for employment, business, health, and the future of the islands.

"There was no consultation with islanders on this and no debate on whether savings could be made on the ground rather than cutting the funding. The service is probably considered a luxury by ministers sitting in Leinster House, who only make it down to the West of Ireland when the sun is shining. For those of us living here all year round it is a necessary lifeline."

Link:

Cutting air service will ‘depopulate’ Aran Islands