Government plans to introduce a fixed-wing air transport service to several western islands have been criticised by an aviation engineer, who says that helicopters would be far more economic and flexible.
Mr Pat Joyce, from Clifden, Co Galway, says that a cost analysis carried out for the Government on fixed-wing transport is out of date and flawed. He also says that helicopters can double up for limited emergencies, are far less weather-dependent, can offer islanders with a link to their immediate mainland hinterland, and require bases which cause little environmental damage.
The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Ó Cuív, has sanctioned a €2 million airstrip for the Connemara island of Inishbofin as part of a plan to provide air transport services to several western islands and Tory Island off Donegal.
