€8k sky-high bill for Higgins’ copter trip

President used the Government aircraft to visit Kerry and Clare

- FERGHAL BLANEY

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins cost the taxpayer almost €8,000 to travel by helicopter on official business.

Records received by the Irish Mirror show that the President travelled to Kenmare GAA club and St Flannan’s College in Ennis, his old alma mater by helicopter in May.

It is also understood that the presidential cars driven by Garda drivers were on the ground to meet the President and his travelling party at each location to transport them to official functions.

President Higgins could have availed of a commercial flight to Kerry Airport and travelled on the short distance to Kenmare by road.

According to Ryanair’s website last night, a one-way flight from Dublin to Kerry would cost €16, while the 48kms car journey from the airport would take 38 minutes.

The distance between Kenmare and Ennis is 179 kms and would take two hours and 35 minutes by car.