PRESS RELEASE from Donegal Cancer Flights & Services: 24 February 2026 Donegal United in Dáil Éireann on Donegal–Dublin PSO: Minister Commits to “Do My Level Best” to Resolve Midday Flight CrisisA united Donegal delegation gathered in Dáil Éireann today to press the urgent case for the restoration of reliable, same-day and midday medical access on the Donegal–Dublin PSO route, and the aircraft to be housed overnight at Donegal Airport. Our TDs and Senator stood with us, reflecting the strength of feeling across the county and the shared determination to protect this lifeline for patients, families, and communities. Following direct engagement with the Donegal delegation, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien acknowledged the depth of anger and frustration in Donegal and accepted the seriousness of the current situation. The Minister stated plainly: “I’m not happy we are in this position… I will do my level best.”The Minister confirmed that active engagement is underway to resolve the matter, including talks “at the highest level” between the Department and the airline. He advised that this is not a cost issue, but one of identifying the correct mechanism within existing legal constraints. The Minister indicated that the airline is engaging with him and his officials, and that he is seeking advice and assessing the latest position from the airline as part of ongoing discussions. While the Minister was clear that he could not provide a final resolution today, “I don’t have a solution for you today” he also gave a personal commitment: “I want to get this resolved and will do my level best to resolve it… I am personally working on it.” He further committed to keeping direct contact through Donegal’s TDs as the process advances.
Importantly, the Minister also acknowledged that there are very serious learnings emerging from this process, including how PSO tenders are framed, a recognition that the current crisis cannot be allowed to repeat itself in any future contract. Today’s meeting in Dáil Éireann did not deliver the immediate certainty Donegal needs, but it did confirm that this issue is being treated with urgency at the highest levels, and that Donegal’s message was heard clearly, this route must function as a dependable medical lifeline, not a gamble. We leave Dublin with renewed determination, and with the courage that comes from unity, Donegal stood together today, patients, families, and public representatives, and we will keep standing together until same-day medical access is guaranteed in practice, not just in principle. ENDS Media Contact: Máire Uí Chomhaill Donegal Cancer Flights and Services
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Update from meeting with Transport Minister and Donegal Cancer Flights & Services:“I’m not happy we are in this position… I will do my level best.” Smacks of kicking tin can down the road.
