Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 3 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 3

Written Answers. - Flights from Shannon.

Madeleine Taylor-Quinn

Ceist:

27 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will arrange for more direct flights between Shannon and the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, in light of recent developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism and Transport (Mr. S. Brennan)

On the basis of the liberal arrangements which have been concluded with the UK and with our other EC partners, there are no regulatory constraints on the establishment of direct air services between Shannon Airport and points in the UK and most points in the rest of the Community.

The development of air passenger traffic at Shannon is being actively pursued by Aer Rianta and SFADCo and last March the two organisations jointly launched a major new initiative called "Shannon Airport Marketing" with the task of increasing the range of scheduled air services serving Shannon airport over the next decade.

I can assure the Deputy that this initiative is being taken with my full support and encouragement.