Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Guím fáilte roimh achan duine go dtí an cruinniú inniu, go háirithe Garry Martin, Stiofán Ó Cúláin, m’iar-chomhghleacaí agus iar-phríomhfheidhmeannach, agus Eilís Docherty, an bainisteoir. Cuirim fáilte roimh na daoine éagsúla ó na ceantair éagsúla fosta. Gabhaim buíochas le muintir Aerfort Dhún na nGall fá choinne plean fadtéarmach, plean atá fite fuaite idir an chomhairle contae, gnó idirnáisiúnta agus gnó turasóireachta. Tá an plean curtha le chéile le roinnt blianta anuas, ag féachaint ar an gceangal idir Meiriceá, agus an ceangal idir Baile Átha Cliath agus Dún na nGall fosta.

I will talk about Donegal Airport which is the one I know most about. Conor McCarthy and his team came in at a crucial time when we needed a service. Emerald Airlines has been providing an excellent service. I also acknowledge the role of Donegal County Council. Mr. Martin and his team are looking at tourism in the north west. With the heavy presence of directors and workers in international companies as well as our small and medium-sized enterprises, they are also looking at connectivity for them. Mr. Martin has the statistics. I am hearing that increasing numbers are using it. When I use the service to Dublin, I see more people using the service. It is continuing to grow.

I am sorry I missed Mr. Ó Cúláin's presentation earlier. What opportunities are emerging for future connections? Given the exchange rate with the dollar, we expect to get many Americans coming this summer, which presents opportunities. I am thinking in particular about golf tourism. My next door neighbours have a golf course which is number 80 in terms of links golf courses. There is quite a necklace of golf courses from Kerry right the way up. Golf courses in the north west including Ballyliffin, Portsalon, Rosapenna and Cruit Island are creating that critical mass. Donegal County Council is also promoting it strongly. It is a capacity issue. Are there further opportunities as Donegal Airport continues to grow? Any time I use it the increased numbers are visible. There is the added advantage of finding out many things over in the west of the county. The airport's very friendly staff are an important part of retaining customers. I can have conversations about Naomh Muire football club, Gweedore Celtic or Keadue Rovers with the staff there, who are making people feel very welcome. There is a wonderful family atmosphere there. I acknowledge Ms Docherty's leadership agus an fhoireann uilig san aerfort.