Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Diaspora, Seán Crowe TD, has welcomed the announcement that Aer Lingus will operate direct flights to San Francisco and Toronto from May next year.

Crowe believes that the flights will help facilitate an increase in Ireland’s trade with the US and Canada, and will give an added boost to the Irish tourism industry.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“Aer Lingus already flies directly to 4 major US cities and soon it will also fly directly to San Francisco. This offers significant economic opportunities as 40% of all Foreign Direct Investment to Ireland comes from the San Francisco area.

“This welcome decision also means that for the very first time Aer Lingus will have a regular year round scheduled service between Dublin and Toronto. This will also provide greater opportunities for to grow and increase trade between Ireland and Canada.

“The establishment of these direct flight routes will also give an added boost to the accessibility of Ireland for tourists which should be of big benefit to our tourism industry.

“The proposed flights will also be of benefit to the Irish diaspora living in these two cities and hopefully this will allow them to travel to Ireland in greater numbers and see their friends and families more often.

“Aer Lingus should be commended for making this decision, and recognition needs to be given to the Dublin Airport Authority and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, as well as the companies and individuals, who worked so hard to get these routes established.”

ENDS