‘Donegal Airport must be central to Ireland’s aviation future’

An independent senator has highlighted the importance of regional airports in light of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026

Published 9th Jul 2026, 20:31 BST The airstrip at Carrickfinn was recognised as the most scenic landing in the world | Donegal Live An independent senator has highlighted the importance of regional airports in light of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.

An independent senator has highlighted the importance of Donegal Airport in Ireland’s aviation future.

Senator Aubrey McCarthy told the Seanad that Donegal Airport must play a greater role in light of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026.

Originally, a 32-million-passenger annual limit was to be imposed on Dublin Airport; however, the passenger capacity bill aims to repeal it.

Senator McCarthy has argued that the passenger capacity bill risks ignoring regional airports. Highlighting that regional airports such as Donegal are“runways sitting there today, underused, while Dublin strains at the seams.”

The senator has sought an amendment from the Department of Transport to deliver a report within 12 months examining how regional airports, particularly Donegal, can support national aviation needs, relieve pressure on Dublin, and strengthen balanced regional development.

Senator McCarthy said the proposal is modest, costs nothing, and simply ensures that future aviation policy “looks at the whole country, and that absolutely includes Donegal Airport.”

Located in Carrickfinn, the regional airport connects Donegal to Dublin and Glasgow via flight services operated by Emerald Airlines and Loganair.

Related topics: Donegal Airport Dublin Glasgow Aer Lingus Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.