In Donegal, a local woman grappling with ovarian cancer has raised alarm over potential alterations to a crucial flight route that many cancer patients depend on to receive essential medical care in Dublin.
The Donegal to Dublin flight operates twice daily and is supported by a government subsidy known as a public service obligation (PSO), which ensures the service remains viable despite low commercial demand. This PSO agreement is set to expire on February 25, raising concerns that proposed changes might eliminate the afternoon return flight.
Kathleen Griffin expressed her worries that such modifications could compel cancer patients to incur additional expenses for overnight stays or face tiring alternative travel options if they are unable to secure same-day flights.
This particular route has been in operation since 2004, featuring an early morning departure from Donegal and a return flight later that same day. Currently, Emerald Airlines, which operates as a regional branch of Aer Lingus, is managing this PSO route until the end of February, while preparations are underway to select a new provider through a competitive process.
Mary Coyle, associated with the charity Donegal Cancer Flights & Services—which facilitates these flights for patients—stated that the proposed flight schedule, which lacks an afternoon return option, could necessitate higher accommodation costs for patients who can no longer travel to their appointments on the same day.
In a conversation on BBC Radio Foyle's Mark Patterson Show, Coyle highlighted that their charity supports over 500 clients, many of whom rely heavily on this flight service to access specialized medical treatments unavailable in Donegal or nearby areas. "Our services extend beyond just cancer patients; we also assist individuals undergoing kidney transplants and children facing chronic or life-limiting health conditions," she elaborated.
Coyle further mentioned that the charity is unable to book flights beyond February 25 due to the uncertainty surrounding the flight schedule.
She explained, "We collaborate closely with oncology departments to coordinate patient appointments, helping to ensure that individuals from Donegal can secure earlier time slots and return home in time for their flights. We do have a vehicle and a bus for transportation, but those resources are already stretched thin as we support patients traveling to various hospitals in Galway, Roscommon, Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, Ballykelly, and Letterkenny. Our operations rely on limited funding, and we are a voluntary service."
"These flights are truly a lifeline for patients who are already dealing with enough stress and financial strain," she added with palpable concern.
Kathleen Griffin shared her personal experience, noting that she has utilized the Donegal flight service six times since her diagnosis of ovarian cancer three years ago. "After undergoing chemotherapy, I now attend follow-up appointments to monitor for any signs of a recurrence," she explained.
Although she is nearing the conclusion of her treatment, Griffin is still awaiting upcoming appointments in Dublin. She described the existing transport options as severely limited. "On my first trip to Dublin, I reached out to my doctor in Letterkenny, expressing my inability to travel by car or bus. That’s how I learned about the Donegal cancer flights service," she recounted.
"The journey from my home to the hospital in Dublin takes roughly an hour and a half, maybe two hours when factoring in the flight. If I had to drive, it would require at least six hours, and given the persistent pain I was experiencing, there was no way I could manage that alone.
"Unless you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s hard to grasp the extent of these challenges. When you're unwell, the last thing you want to think about is how to get from place to place."
The Department for Transport in the Republic of Ireland has been contacted for their comments regarding this matter.
