Donegal residents fear that changes to a vital flight route could significantly impact cancer patients' access to essential medical treatment. The twice-daily Donegal-Dublin flight, funded by a public service obligation (PSO), is under threat due to proposed timetable changes. This route has been a lifeline for cancer patients, offering a same-day travel option to access specialized treatments in Dublin. However, the potential cut of the afternoon return flight could force patients into costly overnight stays or exhausting alternative journeys. The charity Donegal Cancer Flights & Services, which assists patients in organizing these flights, warns that the proposed changes could lead to higher accommodation costs for those who cannot travel the same day. With over 500 clients, many of whom rely on the flight service for critical medical needs, the charity emphasizes the limited transport options available to Donegal residents. Kathleen Griffin, a cancer patient herself, highlights the challenges of traveling by car or bus, which would take significantly longer and be more painful due to her condition. The Department for Transport in the Republic of Ireland is yet to provide a comment on the matter, leaving the future of this essential service uncertain.
