Cutting air service will ‘depopulate’ Aran Islands

Any plans to remove funding for the 42-year-old air service to the Aran Islands could spark an irreversible decline in the population of the islands, it has been claimed.

Residents on the three islands — Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr — are planning a campaign to save the service, amid speculation that the public service obligation (PSO) funding to maintain it is to be withdrawn.

Provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht, the funding amounts to just under €2m a year.

It provides for three daily return flights by Aer Arann to Inis Mór and two daily return flights to Inis Meáin and to Inis Oírr on weekdays, with four return flights on weekends.

Additional flights are also provided depending on demand. In addition, a separate contract is in place with Bainistíocht Aerfoirt Teo, a subsidiary of Aer Arann Islands, to manage the three aerodromes on the islands.

Although the department has declined to confirm or deny that the funding is to be withdrawn in the budget, residents on the islands believe the decision has been all but rubber-stamped. While there is a ferry service, islanders have stressed the importance of the air link, particularly in winter time.

Ruairí de Blacam, who owns and runs Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites, said the air service was a necessary lifeline for employment, business, health, and the future of the islands.

“There was no consultation with islanders on this and no debate on whether savings could be made on the ground rather than cutting the funding. The service is probably considered a luxury by ministers sitting in Leinster House, who only make it down to the West of Ireland when the sun is shining. For those of us living here all year round it is a necessary lifeline.”

Mr de Blacam pointed out that the islands were more than 16km from the mainland and that, in winter, servicing them was similar to servicing an oil rig in the North Sea. He also stressed that the service was essential to encouraging people to remain living on the islands.

“Does this Government really want to be remembered as the government that started the depopulation of the Aran Islands? The Gathering has sparked a debate about Irish culture, language and identity. The Aran Islands are a modern day, living, breathing microcosm of everything that is unique about this country. Their value as such is not quantifiable.”

A meeting to lobby against any withdrawal of the funding will take place on Monday at noon in the Meyrick Hotel in Galway.