16/05/2011 00:00:00
Ireland is set to become easier and cheaper to get to, if a new Government initiative is to be successful. The Government’s ‘Jobs Initiative’, announced on 10 May 2011 includes proposals for the reduction of the air travel tax rate from €3 to zero.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport is holding discussions with airlines on the topic. 
The commencement of this measure is subject to an agreement being reached with the airlines to bring in additional passenger numbers. This will be achieved through opening up further routes to Ireland.
Separately, a petition is underway by the Irish Technology Leadership Group, an Irish American organisation of technology leaders to reopen a direct air route between Dublin and Silicon Valley. If successful, this will make Ireland more accessible to conference delegates and business travellers from the West Coast of the US.
Pictured: Dublin Airport's Terminal 2, photo courtesy of Dublin Airport.