Ms Siobhán McManamy:

We have seen that growth in and access to all regional airports this year has created opportunities to which the industry has responded. One is looking at things like growth in festivals and events taking place from September to November. One sees significant Limerick city of culture events every weekend in September, which allows us to spread the season. We are also seeing initiatives in Mayo and Kerry where the industry is responding with good value offerings. We are working with the carriers to present those to the overseas visitor.

Given what we have done this year with the carriers, the peak is tending to look after itself. We are therefore increasing our efforts in the shoulder season and on regional routes. The welcome news that the Berlin and Paris routes into Shannon will continue over the winter allows us to build that momentum. Increasingly, festivals and events provide reasons to travel which, matched with a quick, easy and competitive mode of access, allows us to extend the season.