Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 7

Written Answers. - Air Passenger Access from USA.

Helen Keogh

Question:

27 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the steps, if any, he is taking to improve direct air passenger access to Ireland from the West Coast and Southern States of the United States of America. [11377/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

The provision of transatlantic air services between Ireland the US is governed by the Ireland-US air transport agreement. In accordance with the terms of that agreement designated airlines of both countries are free to operate air services on specified routes between the two countries. There are no limitations on capacity offered by airlines on such services and airlines are free to determine air fares in accordance with their own commercial judgment.

In relation to scheduled air services, Irish airlines currently enjoy access rights to four US points — New York, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles — while US airlines may serve Ireland from any US point. In relation to charter services, both Irish and US airlines can operate from any point in the US to Ireland.

Both scheduled and charter services must operate in conformity with current policy in relation to Shannon which is that airlines must maintain the same level of direct flights to Shannon as to Dublin. However, in relation to charter services to Cork or Connacht Regional Airport, there is no requirement to serve Shannon.

Currently Ireland has services from New York and Boston in the North East provided by Aer Lingus and from Atlanta in the South by Delta. It is a matter in the first instance for airlines to decide whether to operate services between the US and Ireland based on their own commercial judgment but of course every opportunity is taken to encourage US airlines to commence new services to Ireland.

In this regard my Department from time to time approaches US airlines regarding opportunities for new Ireland-US services as does other state agencies such as Shannon Airport Marketing and Bord Fáilte. I should also like to advise that Shannon Airport Marketing are currently finalising presentations on new route development opportunities which will be made shortly to specific US airlines. I am available to lend support to these efforts at the appropriate time.