Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will nominate the three US airport destinations to which Ireland will have access from November 2006; and the factors which will be considered in their selection. [35173/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As the agreement has just been made and the transitional arrangements do not come into operation until November 2006 it is too early at this stage to determine when the three new destinations will be nominated and where they will be. The destinations will be nominated when possible new markets have been studied and the airlines have indicated which destinations they wish to serve.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in relation to the recent revised bilateral agreement, concluded with the US Government he has relevant information on the volume of freight which currently passes through Shannon airport, both to and from the US; his views on whether there is sufficient current freight business passing through Shannon airport to sustain the existing level of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35178/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The following are the latest statistics available from Shannon Airport management:

As approximately 80% of freight is currently carried on passenger flights, the level of freight service is primarily determined by passenger requirements.

With the advent of open skies between the EU and the USA, the existing restrictions on US destinations will be lifted for cargo only services with effect from November 2006. This provides a major opportunity for Shannon to develop its freight business.