Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I am conscious that we are getting close to the end so I will be very brief. Can Mr. Kelly tell me about the development of two routes that I was very keen to have included in the programme for Government? The first is the Carlingford to Cobh coastal route and the development of an experience along that route. The other is the development of the wild Atlantic walking route from Malin Head to Kinsale. I live along that route and have been very keen for years to see the linking up, for example, of the Dingle Way to the Kerry Way through Castlemaine Harbour. Can I have an update on both of those experiences; is there a projected timeline in moving those forward?

Can Mr. Gibbons also tell me his views on international travel in the aviation sector? In particular, I note that he envisages our best markets are the closer to home ones right now. I was always struck in my time in the Department on the huge increase in lift between North America and Ireland during the years from 2011 to 2018-19. Correct me if I am wrong but it went from seven routes in 2011 to 24 or 25 at the time of the peak in 2018-19. What is Mr. Gibbons outlook as to our seat capacity from 2022 onwards? How long will it take is to get back to the level of lift that we had at the peak period? I am conscious that our witness does not have a crystal ball, as if he had I would be asking him for tonight’s lotto numbers, - I believe is approximately €12 million tonight - but on a serious note, what is Mr. Gibbons's best judgment on the above question?