'280,000 seats available on Irish routes weekly'

The number of seats available aboard airlines in and out of Ireland this winter is higher than ever before.

Nearly 280,000 seats on direct scheduled services are available each week - an increase of 10% over that seen this time last year.

Strong growth is evident from each of Ireland's three major tourist markets, Britain, mainland Europe and North America, according to latest data from Tourism Ireland.

There has been an 11% increase in the number of seats available to the Republic each week from the UK, predominantly from regional British airports

Low cost airlines now account for over half of all the cross-channel capacity, with 53% of routes to the Republic.

There was a 14% increase on transatlantic seats.

Airlines are reporting a particularly busy Christmas period from the US this year and almost all flights are fully booked at this stage, including Business Class.

According to Mark Henry, Head of Research & Planning, Tourism Ireland: "This increased capacity will not only boost end of year business but also sets us up for a good kick start to 2004."

"A key focus of Tourism Ireland's activity is to work with airports and carriers in Ireland and in overseas markets to encourage further route development and to promote the island to potential holidaymakers," he added.