Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 26, 27, 76 and 79 together.

These questions relate to the Gathering 2013 project, the resources for same and the role for Shannon Airport in such. With regard to general progress on the Gathering, I refer Deputies to my earlier answer to Question No. 4 on this matter.

In terms of resources, this year my Department has allocated a budget of €5 million for the initiative.  It is planned to provide a small amount of additional funding for Gathering events at county-local level in the near future. Details of this are being worked out at present and will be announced shortly.  

With regard to additional capacity into Shannon Airport, it is a matter for all airlines and the airports themselves to maximise the opportunities presented by the Gathering. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware of the recent announcement by United Airlines of a new service linking Shannon and Chicago for next summer which will operate five days a week and provides a very welcome boost for tourism to the west.

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