Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

We want to substantially increase the number of cities. There are 22 other destinations in America that are interested in having direct connections with Ireland, in light of which Shannon has considerable potential. It is the restriction of Shannon Airport that has affected it and Ireland in terms of our access to the United States of America. It is nonsense that we can only have direct flights to four destinations in America because of our historical agreement. We are crucifying ourselves despite the significant opportunities that exist.

When I met the Secretary of Transportation, Mr. Norman Mineta, in America, he understood and agreed with our requirement for a transition period for Shannon Airport to move to an open skies basis. The opportunities for Shannon, Dublin, Cork and Ireland are considerable in an open skies arrangement, which would undoubtedly see capacity from Shannon Airport increase, new services from Cork Airport and increased capacity and flights from Dublin Airport.

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