Eoghan O'Mara Walsh: Ireland's tourist trade was hard won but could be quickly lost

Dublin Airport is 'the main gateway into the island of Ireland' and imposing a restrictive passenger cap 'is an act of self-sabotage'

An over-riding ministerial order may be needed, such is the importance of this key piece of transport infrastructure to the country and national economy. Pic: Leon Farrell/Rolling News

Recent figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed the continued importance of overseas tourism to the Irish economy. Nearly 550,000 international visitors were in Ireland during the month of April each staying an average of over six nights and benefitting all parts of the country. 

Despite this though, most tourism leaders will rightly point out that their sector is still some way off pre-pandemic recovery.