THE Kerry Tourism Industry Federation has expressed “serious concerns” following reports that the Department of Transport is considering an offer from Ryanair to operate the Dublin-Kerry route on a commercial basis.
Passenger number statistics confirm that the commercial viability of this service is assured only through PSO support and based on the deployment of commuter aircraft.
In that context, the proposal by Ryanair to deploy 737 jet aircraft, with seating capacity of more than twice that of the commuter aircraft and with much higher operating costs, without financial support has to be questioned, the tourism organisation stated.
The Kerry Tourism Industry Federation stressed the importance of the route to tourism in the region but stressed that it is critical that flexible connectivity is available to passengers with a timetable minimising transfer times at the gateway airport.
A minimum of two flights per day at the correct times are required to meet this criteria.
‘The requirement for an efficient and time-optimised service for local businesses and the community cannot be underestimated,” said Kerry Tourism Industry Federation Chairman Pat O’Leary.
“The service is a lifeline for those daily travellers to Dublin for business, health and social activity,” he said.
Regardless of which airline is awarded the contract, the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation is calling on the minister to ensure that the PSO is maintained going forward and that operational considerations agreeable to Kerry Airport management are included in the service agreement contract.
Meanwhile, the Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels Federation has urged the government to reaffirm its commitment to retaining the PSO support for flights on the route.
Branch spokesperson, Padraig McGillicuddy, said it provides a vital link for tourism into Kerry, acting as a gateway both for business travellers and international tourism via Dublin. “It is vital that the Minister for Transport commits to retaining the PSO structure as an ongoing safeguard to support the financial viability of same-day return air access from Dublin.
“This must be a cornerstone of strategic tourism policy for our region going forward,” Mr McGillycuddy stated.
