Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Transport the efforts being made by Government or agency level to ensure Shannon Airport attracts US airlines seeking EU destinations under Open Skies; if he will ensure the airport is in a position to compete with other EU airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25562/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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From 30 March next year, the U.S. transatlantic aviation market will be fully liberalised. From that date U.S. and European airlines will be free to develop and operate transatlantic services on a fully commercial basis, without national restrictions.

Experience has shown that the liberalisation of aviation markets results in a greater level of competition among airlines, lower fares and the development of a wider range of services. I understand that several studies have projected that the Open Skies agreement will lead to considerable economic benefits for Ireland and in particular for the business and tourism sectors, and for the air transport industry in general for which new possibilities will open up.

I understand that Shannon Airport is making every commercial effort to ensure that year-round transatlantic services are maintained. I should add that currently three transatlantic carriers are committed to operating transatlantic services, two of which are year round.

I am confident that the Shannon Airport Authority, with the continued support of business and tourism interests in the region, will respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by Open Skies.

The new direct gateway services by Aer Lingus from Washington, San Francisco and Orlando, and the potential for additional services by other carriers, provide the opportunity to substantially increase U.S. traffic to Ireland. Traditional travel patterns and the attractiveness of the tourism product in the West, suggest that over 50% of such incremental business will involve visits to Ireland's Western regions.