asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is satisfied with the progress made over the past five years in the development of air freight traffic at Shannon Airport if he will give details of the progress that has been made, including the part played by the industrial estate in generating air freight traffic; and whether there are any new plans to increase this traffic still further.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Air Freight Traffic.
2.
I am reasonably satisfied with the progress made during the past five years in the development of air freight at Shannon Airport. Total terminal air freight has grown from 2,874 metric tons in 1961 to 5,701 metric tons in 1965, a percentage increase of 98 per cent. Air cargo generated by the industrial estate has increased from 1,007 metric tons in 1961 to 1,346 metric tons in 1965 or by 34 per cent approximately.
The Shannon Free Airport Development Company, Limited, continues to concentrate on encouraging the establishment of industries in the estate which have air freight potential. New warehouses have been constructed and it is expected that they will be instrumental in increasing the volume of air freight.