Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the ongoing saga regarding flights into Cork Airport and the connection it was hoping to get through Norwegian Air International to open up transatlantic flights. It is an important issue for regional airports but a very important issue for Cork. The decision on this issue has dragged on. We have been awaiting this decision from the US authorities since last April but to date there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

The news that Norwegian Air International's sister airline's application for a similar licence to operate flights from Gatwick to Boston was refused by the US authorities last Friday is bad news for Cork and Cork Airport. We are deeply concerned that this could be a catalyst for a refusal to operate transatlantic flights from Cork to Boston. The opening up of such flights would be a major economic driver for our region but the refusal of such a licence could be a major step backwards. I would like the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to come into the House to give us an update on correspondence on this issue, his views regarding such a service and how we as a House can help progress this issue.