Quote: CCR:
"Without the PSO, I think Donegal and Sligo airports would struggle and these are parts of the country that need investment more than anywhere."
It's hard to see a commercial future for Sligo in particular with it's close proximity to Ireland West. It's only surviving on subvention through the single PSO route and government operational grant for loss making airports.
The short runway is outside the safety requirements of the IAA, and the proposed runway extension across a protected beach is being fought tooth and nail with over 300 detailed objections from local residents and seafood industry, Dept of Environment, Birdwatch Ireland and An Taisce citing clear evidence that it contravenes Irish and EU law. As if that wasn't enough the management admit they have no development plan and that the extension would only meet minimum safety requirements, with no operational advantage. So it would still be limited to load restricted ATRs at best.
Sligo may have served a purpose in the 90s but is of little benefit now that road and rail infrastructure to the capital are much improved and Ryanair, Aer Lingus and BMI are based less than an hour down the road. The millions given in subvention each year would have a far greater return for the people of the area if invested in improving the N4/N17 and bus access to Ireland West.