Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Gaeltacht Minister says a lack of competition is to blame for the ongoing problems with securing a long-term air service for the Aran Islands.
The tender process for the Public Service Obligation contract has been delayed several times in recent months.
The delays are due to an ongoing impasse between the owners of Na Minna airport in Inverin, and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht over the cost of the contract.
The existing arrangement with Aer Arann ends in September, and the department has received legal advice, telling it that the contract cannot be extended further.
Gaeltacht Minister Sean Kyne says the process has been hindered by the fact that there’s not a lot of competition for the contract.