What has happened?Ryanair has announced that it is ceasing flights between Dublin and Kerry, and Dublin and Cork, on September 7th and October 30th respectively.
What gives?In the case of the Dublin-Cork service, the only commercial flight link between the two cities, Ryanair said it was due to a "marked decline" in traffic along the route since improvements to the Dublin-Cork motorway reduced driving time between the cities. Capacity on the Cork-Dublin route had slipped from 12 flights per day to just two. The Government's decision to introduce a subsidised operation between Kerry and Dublin from November 3rd prompted Ryanair to close its service on that route, though the airline cited the "continued excessive monopoly charges" by Dublin Airport Authority, which runs both airports, as another factor.
What about the masses heading from Kerry to Dublin for the All-Ireland football final next month? And has no one considered the transportation needs of next year's Rose of Tralee contestants?Ryanair said flights for the All-Ireland final weekend on September 17th, 18th and 19th would still operate. The Government's subsidised operation mentioned previously refers to the new Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, including the Dublin-Kerry route, which will run for three years beginning in November. So the Roses will be grand.
Who were the contracts awarded to?Aer Arann has been contracted to service the Dublin-Kerry route, and the Scottish regional carrier Loganair has been awarded the route between Dublin and Donegal. There will be two return flights each day on both routes, costing the State €7.6 million per year.
Did Ryanair ditch its Dublin-Kerry service because it didn't get the contract?Ryanair confirmed it had applied for the PSO contract on the Dublin-Kerry route. But while the airline had known since last week it was not going to get the contract, it said the decision to pull the service early was taken on a commercial basis only. Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara also rejected a suggestion by Fine Gael senator Tom Sheahan on Radio Kerry that Ryanair had pulled out of the route early because it had a "hissy fit" over Aer Arann being awarded the PSO tender.
But why are the contracts being given if there are so few people flying?The PSO subsidy is for regional routes that are not considered commercially viable but are believed to be vital for regional economic development. Donegal and Kerry are the most remote regional airports, and the thinking, according to Minister for Transport and Tourism Leo Varadkar, is that these links represent a lifeline for business and tourism in those areas. People on business in these areas will be able to return the same day, while tourists on short breaks can streamline their visits through onward connections between Dublin and Donegal or Kerry. But scheduling is crucial. Currently, anyone looking to fly Ryanair to Kerry next weekend would have to leave at lunchtime and be back in the capital for Sunday lunch, which limit its practicality.
