John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I do not doubt that the concentration on the regions by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland will lead to an increase in agri-tourism. It is important to point out that the west had a better tourism year in 2005 than in 2004. I agree with Deputy Wall that access is of crucial importance. In that context, it is particularly welcome that transatlantic traffic increased by 17% last year. The willingness of American Airlines, the largest airline in the world, to voluntarily start direct flights into Shannon Airport, as well as Dublin Airport, represents a vote of confidence in the future of Shannon Airport. Ryanair's decision to locate its European hub at Shannon Airport constitutes a further vote of confidence. I do not doubt that the Shannon Airport Authority will succeed in attracting a considerable amount of business to the very fine airport it runs. I do not anticipate a reduction in the numbers of passengers coming through Shannon Airport from all sources. I expect that such numbers will increase, just as there will be a substantial increase in overall tourism numbers in the years to come. We need to continue to improve access to all parts of the country. Transport 21, which involves the provision of €34 billion over ten years, is of crucial and fundamental importance in that regard. The outlook for the tourism industry is extremely bright, in general terms. Indicative figures for this year will probably show that this country has exceeded its target, which is particularly welcome against a difficult and competitive backdrop.

See this speech in context