Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 October 2019
140. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the possibility of increasing air travel services between Cork Airport and Germany will be examined in view of the fact no routes exist (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41233/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year approximately 2.4 million passengers used Cork Airport, which represented a 4% increase on 2017 and marked another year of growth at the airport. This growth is attributable to: expansion of capacity on existing routes; extension of the route network; and an increase in the number of airlines providing scheduled air services.
Tourism Ireland, in co-operation with other agencies, engages in case-making activity for the introduction of routes of strategic importance for Ireland and undertakes co-operative marketing activity with airports and airlines to stimulate demand.
Ultimately, the decisions to introduce new air routes are made by the airlines, in consultation with airport companies, based on the commercial viability of the routes in question and other operational factors. As Minster for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have no role in the commercial decisions of the private companies concerned.
