Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

United Airlines had been offering a year-round direct Shannon to Chicago service. Last year, it made a decision to discontinue its year-round service. I welcome the Minister of State's comments. I acknowledge the work of Tourism Ireland, the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Ross. I encourage the Minister of State to redouble his efforts to try to restore this route. It is essential for the west of Ireland. As he stated in his earlier reply, American visitors stay longer and spend more. They come straight into the west of Ireland when they fly into Shannon. It is essential to restore this year-round service.

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