From Department of Rural and Community Development
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Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a new four year contract to support the air services to the Aran Islands.
The €5.62 million contract has been signed between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Galway Aviation Services Limited (GASL).
The company has been contracted to manage Aerfort Chonamara and the aerodromes on the Aran Islands, Inisboffin and Cleggan for the period 2021-2025.
Announcing the contract award, Minister Humphreys said:
“I am delighted to approve this contract, which will ensure the supports for the air services between Aerfort Chonamara and the Aran Islands.
“Having a contract of this nature in place gives long term certainty to communities who live on the Aran Islands and rely on these services.
“It is also an important investment in terms of tourism and will ensure the Department’s aerodromes are managed professionally.”
The Minister added:
“Investing in our island communities is a key commitment in ‘Our Rural Future’ – the Government’s ambitious new policy for rural Ireland.
“I look forward to making further announcements in relation to our island communities shortly. During my term as Minister, I also intend to publish a specific new strategy to support our islands, which have a special place in the hearts of the Irish people and are popular destinations for tens of thousands of tourists each year.”
In 2019, the State purchased Aerfort Chonamara.
The contract between the Department and GASL will provide for the day to day management and upkeep of Aerfort Chonamara, and the aerodromes on each of the Aran Islands, Inishboffin and Cleggan.
This also includes managing passengers, their tickets and the baggage handling service prior to flights between Aerfort Chonamara and the Aran Islands.
The contract also provides to ensure that the facilities are well maintained, that their staff are properly trained and will also manage the fire and emergency response capabilities at each site.