Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2013
322. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the interlinking of air transport and tourism facilities can be achieved with a view to maximising potential growth of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15548/13]
View answer323. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the interlinking of air transport and tourism facilities may be achieved with a view to maximising potential growth of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15549/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 323 together.
Developing more air services from Ireland to global destinations and bringing more tourists from overseas are two of the key policies set out in the Government’s 2013 Action Plan for Jobs. From a regulatory perspective my Department aims to ensure that there are no legal or regulatory impediments to the introduction of air services by negotiating bilateral air services agreements with third countries where necessary. The market for air services in and out of Ireland is highly competitive with a very significant number of airlines operating.
Tourism Ireland, the agency with responsibility for the overseas promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination, continues to invest in cooperative marketing activity with airlines. Additional capacity has been secured between Ireland and the US and current indications are that transatlantic capacity for summer 2013 will be higher than summer 2012, with up to 133 departures per week, providing just over 31,000 seats in each direction. This represents a 26.6% increase in capacity, or just over 6,500 additional seats per week, compared to summer 2012. Furthermore additional connectivity direct from Dublin has been achieved through Emirates’ hub in Dubai which provides greater ease of access to Ireland from Australia as well as the emerging tourism markets in the Middle East and Asia.
I will continue to act as a champion for improved air access to Ireland, be it increased capacity on existing routes or the development of new routes. Negotiations are ongoing with a number of carriers for additional capacity linked both to general traffic demand and the increased traffic expected over the course of ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’.
