Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Transport his policy position on the dual gateway status of Shannon Airport; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern in the mid-west region at the prospect of change; if, in negotiating any change in the position, a lengthy transition period will be allowed to Shannon Airport before services on the north Atlantic are completely liberalised; the present state of the negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13231/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Negotiations between the European Commission and the US authorities on an EU-US open aviation area are paused following the failure to reach agreement in June 2004. European transport Commissioner Barrot reported to the April meeting of EU Transport Ministers on his recent meetings in Washington with US Secretary for Transport Mineta and on the continuing efforts of US and EU officials to identify a basis on which formal negotiations can recommence. Commissioner Barrot will give a further report on progress to the June European Transport Council.

I have had meetings with all of the Irish stakeholders to ensure that I am familiar with their views. Increased access to US destinations under an open skies agreement would provide significant benefits to Irish tourism, trade economic growth and aviation.

Expanding scheduled services across the Atlantic is of great importance to the growth of Irish tourism and Irish airlines. Under the existing arrangements Irish airlines are restricted to serving five cities in the US. It is my understanding that Aer Lingus has been approached by airports in a number of other US cities in an attempt to encourage the airline to operate services to these airports. US carriers are also likely to offer a wider range of services to Ireland if the present restrictions are removed.

Whatever new arrangements might be agreed, I am clear that Shannon remains an attractive destination for transatlantic services, particularly from the east coast of the US. Any change in Ireland-US arrangements will open up new destinations in the US for Irish airlines, and this presents new opportunities for Shannon. Clarity on the open skies issue would be very helpful to the new board of Shannon Airport in its business planning process. I am convinced that Shannon, with the right cost base for the airport and with the proper competitive environment, can maintain and grow its transatlantic business.