Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009, particularly in reference to the positive factors for the mid-west region. Shannon Airport provides am outstanding transport service to a large geographical area, with people travelling from throughout the State and particularly from counties Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Cork, Kerry and Galway to fly to countries all over the world. It is a resource for which people in my constituency are very grateful. It is invaluable for commerce, tourism and in terms of providing a connection to Europe, the United States and further afield.

However, last year saw the first reduction in passenger numbers at the airport since the Gulf War in 1991. We are all aware that the aviation industry in Ireland and across Europe is struggling. Under the measures set out in this legislation, Shannon Airport expects to facilitate 70 jets per day at its preclearance facility, including two daily British Airways business flights. With further difficulties expected in the aviation sector, this will be a great way of bringing traffic though the airport.

We should make the most of this opportunity by ensuring that Shannon Airport's preclearance capability is well advertised and is supported by a positive experience for passengers in the airport. Information must be provided to ensure passengers are aware in advance of attractions in the area and its suitability for tourists. If we work to make Shannon synonymous with transatlantic travel and to ensure that people are aware of its many positive attributes as an area to visit, passengers are likely to stop over in Ireland on their way to other destinations, taking advantage of our wonderful scenery, people and sporting and cultural attractions, including race meeting, festivals and so on.

The Shannon region is an area starved of visitors despite all these advantages. That is why I am so pleased to welcome an innovation which will make us a European leader in aviation and will provide a fantastic facility for passengers and airlines alike. This new string to Shannon Airport's bow is essentially the equivalent of an infrastructural investment and, as such, provides a huge boost to the entire area. If this preclearance facility is properly managed and promoted, it can make Shannon — and Dublin, once the facility there is operational — a hub for both Europe and the United States, offering passengers smooth, easy and efficient flying. By allowing customers to preclear customs, immigration and agricultural inspections in a special designated area in the airport, we can offer them a distinct incentive. They can fly into Shannon before proceeding to the United States, clear all the necessary checks and prevent any queues, delays, or difficulties at their destination, thereby making the process quicker and more efficient. Disembarking in the United States will be a quicker and smoother process for passengers as a result.

From the perspective of the airlines, this measure will make Shannon Airport a centre for low-cost flying. Passengers will be treated as though they are on an internal flight from Shannon onwards, which will have huge cost savings for airlines. The cost per passenger will be only €10.50. By enabling airlines to fly directly without stopover to airports without passengers having to go through the immigration controls required heretofore, airlines can pay vastly reduced fees to smaller airports that are anxious for this business. In addition, this legislation has the potential to attract large numbers of visitors to a region that is crying out for tourism.

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