asked the Minister for Communications if he has made any representations to have a company (details supplied) establish a freight base at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Shannon Airport Traffic Generation.
399.
I am advised by Aer Rianta that they are continuing to actively pursue with Federal Express the possibility of its using Shannon Airport as a base for its European operations. I understand, however, that Federal Express has not yet taken a definitive decision on extension of its operations to Europe.
400.
asked the Minister for Communications if there are any proposals in 1984 for developments at Shannon Airport which will generate further passenger and freight traffic through the airport.
Aer Rianta are continuing their efforts to increase passenger and freight traffic through Shannon Airport and, in this connection, are actively pursuing a number of developmental proposals, including the establishment by the US authorities of a pre-clearance facility at Shannon Airport for US departing passengers. Aer Rianta are also keeping in touch with Federal Express about the possibility of that company using Shannon as a base for their European operations.
I can assure the Deputy that Aer Rianta lose no opportunity to promote traffic through Shannon. The fact that between 1980 and 1983 passenger traffic increased from 917,374 passengers to almost 992,000 and freight traffic from 20,263 metric tonnes to 23,567 metric tonnes is an indication of the success of the company's efforts.