Tourism Ireland welcomes Ryanair investment

Tourism Ireland has welcomed Ryanair's announcement today of a €180m investment in new services at Shannon Airport.

The airline said it planned to operate eight new routes to Britain and Europe from the Co Clare airport from May 3 in a move that could create up to 2,000 jobs in the area.

Tourism Ireland chief executive Paul O'Toole said it should also significantly assist regional tourism.

"The Ryanair announcement today gives an advantage back to the west that it has lost in recent years," he said.