29th April 2003

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Sinn Fein welcomes opening of air routes between Cork and Belfast and Dublin and Belfast as positive steps in developing all-Ireland business and social opportunities

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Transport Séan Crowe TD has today welcomed the news that Jet Magic and Aer Arann have this week opened up a new routes between Belfast and Cork and Belfast and Dublin as a ``positive and logical'' outworking of the elements of the Good Friday Agreement and a ``small but significant step in developing business and social opportunities on an all-Ireland basis''.

Deputy Crowe said:

``The pivotal role that InterTrade Ireland (the body set up under the Good Friday Agreement to promote trade on an all Ireland basis) played in this development should not be underestimated. They were the driving force behind bringing together the airports and business interests to make this opportunity a reality.

``This development may be small in scale but is a significant step in developing business and social opportunities between what are the three largest cities on the island and on an all-Ireland basis. It is a positive and logical outworking of the Good Friday Agreement, which I welcome, and should be built upon. And it shouldn't stop at air travel ? there should be developments on an all-Ireland basis in roads, rail and telecommunications.''

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