Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. The US tourism market is of huge importance to Ireland, to the west of Ireland and to County Clare. The availability of direct year-round flights to and from Shannon Airport is an essential component in growing our tourism industry. This year Shannon is set to operate its largest transatlantic offering in 17 years with eight transatlantic services operated by six carriers across seven destinations.

I welcome Aer Lingus's recent announcement that it is set to operate a year-round New York to Shannon service in 2019. I also welcome the expansion of Norwegian Air's New York to Shannon service. We will have two direct services between New York and Shannon.

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