Revolution for airline industry
The directors of Fáilte Ireland the National Tourism Development Authority have met with representatives of Aer Lingus and Ryanair to discuss issues relating to air travel and access and its effects on Irish tourism.
Ryanair has promised to deliver millions of extra passengers into the Mid-West, via Shannon, if proposals it has made are adopted.
Fáilte Ireland Authority chairwoman, Gillian Bowler said: “A healthy viable airline industry is critical for the success of our tourism industry. We cannot overstate the crucial importance of easy, affordable access to Ireland, as an island nation on the periphery of Europe.
“It is difficult to foresee how challenging visitor targets, as set out in the report of the Tourism Policy Review Group, can be achieved without developing Ireland’s capacity in terms of access and infrastructure.
“In this context, the authority supports an early resolution on the bilateral and expanded terminal facilities. We were delighted to meet with the two main international airlines operating in Ireland to discuss matters of common interest.”
The authority stated that it would work with the airlines and with Government to progress:
The development of Dublin Airport in terms of capacity and services, to meet the needs of both passengers and client airlines going forward.
The continued development of new routes into Ireland, particularly from continental Europe.
This is important for the development of tourism throughout the regions.
The early renegotiation of air agreements between the US and EU, with an introduction of new routes to Ireland from the USA.
Measures to ensure the maintenance of a balanced portfolio of air services for all passengers to Ireland.
