John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

Tourism Ireland has identified 15 major cities in the USA where we can expect substantial growth under open skies. This will mean that we can anticipate a large increase in the number of American visitors.

The Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, has an implementation document regarding the future of Shannon Airport. I have examined the document and stated that the demand for €44 million is unrealistic. However, my Department is considering our marketing of the region. It must be remembered that the number of visitors passing through Shannon Airport last year increased by 23% on the previous year. Given the pessimism expressed in some quarters, this was a tremendous performance. Inasmuch as the number of American visitors will increase under open skies, Shannon Airport will also grow. If it grasps the opportunities outlined in my original reply, I do not doubt that it will continue to benefit the mid west, west, south west and north west as it has always done, albeit in an enhanced way.

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