The head of Ireland’s main airport operator has backed plans by Norwegian Air International to operate a transatlantic service between Cork and the US, saying the demand exists despite recent route cancellations at the airport.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Mary Davis first burst into the public consciousness in 2003 as the Irish woman who spearheaded the Special Olympics moving out of the US for the first time.

The head of the Dublin Airport Authority has welcomed US President Barack Obama’s backing for a transatlantic service from Cork Airport — but also expressed concern about any possible delays at the American side.

The Middle East boosted duty-free earnings at Aer Rianta International, as pre-tax profits increased 10.5% to €23.7m.

There are serious security concerns at Garda headquarters at revelations of a sophisticated people-smuggling operation at Dublin Airport.

Brexit puts at risk the Government’s cross-border promotion of tourism, which has been in place as part of the Good Friday agreement, and threatens the Common Travel Area with Britain.

The head of one of Europe’s largest low-fares airlines has promised to shake up the Irish transatlantic market after launching 17 ultra- low-fares flights from Ireland to the US — including the first direct transatlantic route from Cork Airport.

What should have been a celebration for the regions has been put in the shade by Norwegian revealing its flights to the US from Dublin, writes Alan Kelly TD.

The appointment of a new chief executive of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has been broadly welcomed in Cork, with interested parties saying his strong background in retail and services will complement the county’s airport growth strategy.

An independently-operated third terminal at Dublin Airport is now the preferred option of government ministers, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

Airlines which persistently operate flights outside allocated time slots at Dublin Airport are to face large fines under a new system of sanctions.