asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will make a comprehensive statement outlining his plans for the future development of traffic and ancillary services at Shannon Airport.
Written Answers. - Shannon Airport.
241.
There has been no change in strategy for the development of traffic at Shannon Airport. Both Aer Rianta, who manage the airport on behalf of the Government, and the Shannon Free Airport Development Company explore every possible means of attracting additional traffic to the airport in pursuance of which they work in close co-operation with my Department. In addition, both Aer Lingus and Bord Fáilte continue their efforts to attract tourist traffic to Ireland. With the efforts of all the agencies involved, I have every confidence that traffic at the airport will continue to grow satisfactorily.
Apart from the normal activities of these agencies I might mention two current developments. Aer Rianta are providing special fuelling facilities at Shannon for the Russian carrier, Aeroflot, and in return the airline has guaranteed a substantial use of Shannon by its North Atlantic services. Operations by Aeroflot through Shannon are due to commence in mid-1980. Aer Rianta are also reviewing their mail order service with a view to increasing sales in North America and extending it to the British and European market.