A delegation from the Aran Islands is set to meet Gaeltacht Minister Joe McHugh on Thursday to discuss fresh concerns over the latest contract tender for the air service.
A new Public Service Obligation contract for a year-round passenger air service from the mainland to and from the islands has been advertised for tender.
There was controversy last year when a helicopter company was selected to operate the service from Galway Airport in Carnmore.
This decision was ultimately shelved and while islanders are relieved the new advertisement says the base will be Na Minna airport in Inverin there have grave concerns over the fee and conditions attached
Cathy Ní Ghoill says the new tender document increases the price of a ticket for islanders and visitors and says the community was happy when the contract was re-tendered but now it looks like it still favours a helicopter service:
Potential operators of the Aran Islands air service have until noon on June 3rd to submit a tender.
Pádraig Ó Céidigh of Aer Arann, which has operated the service for the past 40 years, says they will be tendering again but he stresses increasing the price of tickets will not pay off in the long term.
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