Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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648. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he has taken to ensure that Shannon Airport is given at least equal recognition as one of the two transatlantic airports here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30010/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister I do not confer such recognition on any airport whether it is domestic, trans-Atlantic, European, etc.  I am, however, very pleased at the significant increase in flights and seats between Shannon and North America this year and am confident that this will grow further.  I am also keen to see Shannon secure routes from Russia and Asia should the commercial conditions be right. As the Deputy is aware Shannon Airport separated from Dublin Airport Authority last December. As a result, I am happy that Shannon can create the conditions for a long-term sustainable future now that it is free to determine that future itself.  As an independent airport, Shannon is now in a position to compete with other Irish airports with regard to all services into and out of Ireland, including the transatlantic services.