A Kerry TD has warned that the county’s economy is under threat as international aviation challenges and rising fuel costs begin to impact overseas visitor numbers.

Speaking in the Dáil this week, Deputy Michael Cahill (FF) told the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment that "nervousness" is growing across the sector. He warned that global instability, particularly in the Middle East, is driving flight cuts and surcharges that could leave peripheral regions like Kerry "exposed."

"Tourism in Kerry is the lifeblood of our local economy," Deputy Cahill said. "From Killarney to Dingle, thousands of jobs depend on a stable flow of overseas visitors. That stability is now under threat."

The Deputy highlighted that the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) has already signalled that earlier growth projections of 5% to 7% for this year are unlikely to be met. He noted that Lufthansa has already announced 20,000 flight cuts globally, while Aer Lingus has seen reductions.

Regional Vulnerability
Minister Peter Burke (FG) acknowledged the challenges, noting that 90% of Ireland’s inbound connectivity depends on air access. However, he pointed to a new tourism policy, A New Era for Irish Tourism, and a €400 million capital plan over the next five years designed to enhance the "value proposition" for visitors.

"We have had strong growth this year," Minister Burke said, "but we recognise that geopolitical instability can have implications. We are working with airlines to ensure they don't just consolidate routes."

Calls for Kerry Airport expansion
Deputy Cahill argued that a "one-size-fits-all" approach would not work for the South West, noting that international visitors to Killarney and Kenmare cannot be fully replaced by domestic tourism.

He specifically urged the Minister to prioritise regional air access and called for the introduction of new flight routes to Kerry Airport from Belfast, Barcelona, and Amsterdam to offset potential losses from other markets.

"Kerry is a premium destination but also a peripheral one," Cahill said. "If flights become more expensive, visitors often choose alternative destinations entirely. We need proactive measures to protect our regional airports."

Minister Burke confirmed that new viability mechanisms and VAT supports will kick in on July 1, alongside "strategic air activation schemes" to market new flights as they become available. He committed to working with Kerry representatives to ensure the "Kingdom" benefits from the €400 million investment fund.

Michael Cahill TD with former Kerry Airport CEO John Mulhern