Fine Gael Limerick East TD Kieran O’Donnell has welcomed Aer Lingus’s decision to allow passengers between Shannon and New York to use the new US Customs and Border Patrol Pre Clearance facilities in Shannon.

“This is a very welcome move on the part of Aer Lingus, and long overdue. This is something I have been seeking for a long time.

“It is crucial now that Aer Lingus allows time for this service to properly impact on its Shannon routes, and that the current review of Aer Lingus’s Transatlantic services from Shannon, due to be completed within four weeks, is now postponed.

“I note that Aer Lingus has indicated this is being done on a trial basis but that it intends to extend the Pre Clearance service to other Shannon Transatlantic flights later in the year. Transport Minister Noel Dempsey must use his position to ensure this happens as soon as possible.

“This is a long-awaited vote of confidence in Shannon. It will apply from early May, when Aer Lingus expects to have permission granted by the US authorities to use the facility.

“We must use every advantage that Shannon has in order to keep the airport performing as strongly as possible for Limerick and the Mid West.

“This is crucial for investment in the multi-national sector in the Mid West and for the tourism industry here, as well as to safeguard Aer Lingus and other jobs in the airport.

“The economy in Limerick and in the Mid West is in need of every help it can get at the moment, and this development is a very boost important in that context.”