Galway Bay FM Newsroom – Aran Islanders are in limbo this evening as the air service contract for the Islands officially ends today.
The Government has asked Aer Arann to extend it’s contract, but as of this evening, no agreement has been reached.
The controversial air service contract which has been held by Aer Arann for over 40 years officially ends today.
The Department of the Gaeltacht has asked the airline to extend the existing contract, but with no agreement reached, the Aran Islands are now in a state of limbo.
Talks are understood to be continuing this evening.
When contacted by Galway Bay FM News, Aer Arann declined to comment, and the airline’s website is no longer accepting bookings.
Recent controversy has led to the cancellation of the tendering process for the service up to 2019, and a new procurement process is now due to get underway.
Fears had been raised that 40 jobs would be lost if Aer Arann was not selected to provide the service.
The cancellation of the tendering process follows weeks of campaigns and public meetings over the future of the service.
Aran Islands campaigners have requested a central role in the new tendering arrangements, and a complete review of the department’s islands policy.