The Irish Department of Transport has issued a Request for Tenders (RFT) for the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services between Donegal and Dublin airports. This initiative, part of the Regional Airports Programme, aims to maintain vital air connectivity for remote regions, supporting balanced regional development, tourism, and access to essential services.
The PSO route, originally established in 1994, facilitates twice-daily return flights, enabling same-day travel for passengers and onward international connections via Dublin Airport. The current contract, awarded to Emerald Airlines in 2022, is set to expire in February 2026. To ensure uninterrupted service, the Department is inviting tenders for a new four-year contract commencing on 26 February 2026.
The tender process is governed by EU Regulation (EC) 1008/2008 and relevant Irish procurement laws. The estimated contract value is €17 million (excluding VAT), though this figure is indicative and subject to actual service usage. The competition encourages participation from both small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger operators, with provisions for consortia and subcontracting arrangements.
Tenderers must meet stringent selection criteria, including financial stability, technical capability, and regulatory compliance. Required documentation includes audited financial statements, valid Air Operator Certificates, and Operating Licences. Aircraft proposed must be pressurised, seat at least 60 passengers, and be suitable for the operational environments of Donegal and Dublin airports. Substitute aircraft must also be available to ensure service continuity.
Operational requirements include two daily return flights with specific scheduling: an early morning departure from Donegal and a late evening return from Dublin on weekdays. At least 80% of monthly passengers must be offered fares below €80, and ticket distribution must be facilitated through major Global Distribution Systems or recognised online platforms.
Tender evaluation will be based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, combining price (weighted at 80%) and service quality (weighted at 20%). Quality criteria include aircraft capacity, environmental performance, staff expertise, fare structures, and distribution capabilities. A total of 2,000 marks is available, with 1,600 allocated to cost and 400 to qualitative factors.
The successful tenderer will enter into a Services Concession Contract with the Department, which outlines obligations related to service delivery, insurance, data protection, environmental compliance, and reporting. Monthly performance reports and annual audited accounts are required to validate compensation claims, which are based on actual losses or pre-agreed annual amounts, whichever is lower.
The deadline for tender submissions is 15:00 GMT on 24 October 2025, with queries accepted until 19 September 2025. All submissions must be made via the eTenders platform.
