Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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270. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the potential in the development of Shannon as a European centre for air traffic control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15812/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The main objective of the EU Single European Sky initiative is to reform the air traffic management system in Europe, currently delivered by approximately 40 separate service providers, including the Irish Aviation Authority.   The European air traffic management system is a complex one with widely varying conditions across a network currently controlling some 9.5 million flights per year. Although consolidation under the Single European Sky initiative would be welcome, it is not anticipated that any one location such as Shannon would act as a centre for all European air traffic. 

Ireland is, however, one of the most efficient locations in the European network and the retention of this position is a priority and will be an important factor in ensuring the long-term viability of Ireland’s  air traffic control facilities.