Major Inter Governmental Agreement Signed On Full U.S. Pre-Clearance For Shannon And Dublin Airports

• New Agreement has the potential to create thousands of jobs in Ireland
 
• New Agreement opens up all US airports (domestic/international) for US bound passengers from Irish airports  
• Dempsey to meet with Trans Atlantic airlines in US to discuss how this Agreement could make Ireland a hub for US bound passengers in Europe

In Washington D.C on Tuesday, the Minister for Transport Mr Noel Dempsey T.D. and the US Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff signed a major Inter-Governmental Agreement to provide for pre-clearance for scheduled and charter commercial airline flights to the US from Shannon and Dublin airports.

It will also allow pre-clearance for private aircraft flights to the US from Shannon airport.

Speaking in Washington at the signing ceremony; Minister Dempsey said; "This Inter-Governmental Agreement with the United States will have major benefits for Ireland.

"The potential of Ireland to grow trans-atlantic services from its airports is now very significant.

"In the current difficult economic conditions trans-atlantic business is more important than ever for Ireland.

"Passengers from Shannon and Dublin airports will benefit from uninterrupted passage through US airports on arrival, saving time and hassle.

"Trans-atlantic airlines will benefit from being able to fly into less congested and less expensive domestic terminals on arrival at U.S airports.

"This should lead to easier access to aircraft stands thereby minimising the time between touchdown and passengers disembarking.

"In the competitive field of aviation, time means money for airline operators. This Agreement will help operators save valuable time."

He added; "Later this week I will meet with some trans Atlantic airline operators here in the US to explain the benefits of operating out of Irish airports now that this Agreement is in place."