Gaeltacht Minister Dinny McGinley told Galway Bay fm news the air service forms part of the comprehensive transport services being financialy assisted by his department

Aer Arann Islands - the company currently providing the service - has been awarded the contract again by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

There had been local fears of a withdrawal of state subsidies for the service in the run-up to the end of the previous contract on the 31st August this year.

The new contract is being awarded in accordance with EU rules regarding Public Service Obligations and runs from October until September next year.

The previous contract was for four years but this latest contract covers one year, which is the norm for government contracts at present.

Gaeltacht Minister Dinny McGinley told Galway Bay fm news the air service forms part of the comprehensive transport services being financialy assisted by his department.

Aer Arann will provide five daily return flights from Monday to Friday, and four return flights on Saturday and Sunday.