The Department of Transport expects the emergency procurement process for an airline to take over the Kerry-Dublin PSO route will be completed shortly.
Last month, Aer Lingus cancelled all Stobart Air regional flights, including the Farranfore flight, as Stobart ceased trading.
On June 21st, the Department of Transport requested quotes from Irish licenced airlines and those who expressed an interest in operating the Public Service Obligation routes.
This was done following legal advice and in accordance with EU rules on such services.
The department expects this emergency procurement process will be completed early this month with a view to services being restarted by a new operator or operators as soon as possible.
The contract will be for a maximum of seven months.
The department is also launching a procurement process for a contract of a maximum of four years for the continued provision of the services which will come into effect after the temporary contract expires; this will mitigate against any disruption to services.
