Air tax nets €58m in five months

THE Government has raked in almost €58 million from the controversial air travel tax in five months.

The €10 tax has proved hugely unpopular among airlines and tourism groups who have called for its abolition ever since it was announced in the budget last year.

The Government said at the time of announcing the tax that it is expected to raise €95m in 2009 and €150m in a full year.