Shannon Airport today welcomed the first transatlantic passengers to be cleared through the new US pre-clearance facility which came into operation this morning.

Shannon Airport director Martin Moroney has welcomed Aer Lingus’ announcement of its ongoing commitment to its transatlantic services at Shannon and calls it a vote of confidence in the airport as the "gateway" to the west of Ireland for north American traffic.

SHANNON AIRPORT welcomed the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) proposal for the development of a major regional conference centre in the Shannon/Limerick area, with a minimum capacity of 2,000 people.

Shannon airport is not being used by US military aircraft transporting large quantities of arms to the Gulf region, the Foreign Affairs minister tonight said.