I raise this issue at a time of growing uncertainty for Ireland's tourism sector. In counties like Kerry, the uncertainty is very real. What is the Minister's Department's current assessment of the likely impact of these aviation challenges on overseas visitor numbers in 2026? Specifically, what contingency planning is under way to protect regions like Kerry? What actions are being taken to safeguard air access, support regional tourism and ensure counties like mine are not left exposed?

Sentiment score: 0.28

Tourism in Kerry is the lifeblood of our local economy. From Dingle to Cahersiveen, from Killarney to Ballyheigue, from Kenmare to Ballybunion, from Glenbeigh to Listowel, from Valentia Island to Tralee and right across the county, thousands of jobs and small businesses depend directly on a strong and stable flow of overseas visitors. That stability is under threat. We are seeing the early impacts of global aviation disruption, driven by the conflict involving Iran and rising jet fuel costs. Airlines are already scaling back. Lufthansa announced 20,000 flight cuts. We have seen reductions from Aer Lingus while others are adding fuel surcharges. For an island nation like ours that predominantly depends on air access, fewer flights mean reduced capacity, higher fares and, ultimately, fewer visitors. The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation has signalled the earlier growth projection of 5% to 7% this year is unlikely to be met. For Kerry, even a small drop in overseas visitors has a disproportionate impact. We are a premium tourism destination but also a peripheral one. We rely heavily on connectivity through our regional airports and on visitors making the additional journey beyond Dublin.

Sentiment score: -0.02

I appreciate the Minister's response but I want to press the point about regional impact. This cannot be approached in a one-size-fits-all way. Kerry and the wider south west are particularly vulnerable to any reduction in air capacity. If flights are cut or become more expensive, visitors do not just delay; they often choose alternative destinations entirely. While there is a suggestion Ireland could benefit as a safe destination or from increased domestic tourism, we need to be realistic. Domestic tourism will not fully offset a decline in high-value overseas visitors, particularly in areas like Killarney, Kenmare and Dingle that rely heavily on international markets. We need to see proactive measures, not reactive ones. I urge the Minister to consider targeted supports for regional tourism businesses if numbers soften, enhanced marketing through Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, particularly in North America and mainland Europe, and, critically, protect and expand regional air access, including routes that serve the south west. There is a strong case for ensuring Kerry Airport and access routes into the region remaining a priority, especially in the context of any wider aviation strategy. The message from the ground is clear. There is nervousness in the sector. I ask that additional flights for Kerry be looked at from Belfast, Barcelona and Amsterdam to boost visitor numbers.

Sentiment score: 0.29