FG meeting EU commissioner on 'open skies'

A delegation of Fine Gael politicians is due to meet the EU Transport Commissioner today to discuss the planned introduction of an "open skies" policy between the US and EU.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny will head the delegation, which is hoping to assess the implications of an "open skies" policy for the Irish aviation industry.

If introduced, the new policy would abolish the Shannon stopover, which requires 50% of all US flights into Ireland to stop at the Co Clare airport.

Mr Kenny said yesterday that he would also be seeking to assess the implications of the Government's plans to break Aer Rianta into three competing companies based in Cork, Shannon and Dublin.