DOCSLIB.ORG

Aviation in Ireland

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Aviation in Ireland Aviation in Ireland The information contained in this report is indicative only. Globe Business Media Group is not responsible for any actions (or lack thereof) taken as a result of relying on or in any way using information contained in this report and in no event shall be liable for any damages resulting from reliance on or use of this information. © Copyright 2006 - 2018 Globe Business Media Group Lexology Navigator Powered by © Copyright 2006 - 2018 Globe Business Publishing Limited Table of contents Recent developments and trends • Recent developments Regulatory framework • Domestic law • International law • Regulatory authorities Air carrier operations • Operating authorisation • Ownership and control • Financial requirements • Insurance coverage • Safety requirements • Environmental obligations • Air trafc control • Routes • Charter services • Taxes Consumer protection and liability • Airfares • Passenger protection What rules and liabilities are air carriers subject to in respect of: • Cargo • Marketing and advertising • Complaints handling Aircraft • Aircraft register • Mortgages and encumbrances • Detention • Safety and maintenance • Drones Accidents • Investigation • Liability • Regulatory notifcation Airports • Ownership • Operation • Airport charges • Access • Slot allocation • Ground handling Competition issues • Governing regime • Code sharing and joint ventures 1/13 Lexology Navigator Powered by © Copyright 2006 - 2018 Globe Business Publishing Limited • State aid • Notable cases Dispute resolution • Disputes 2/13 Lexology Navigator Powered by © Copyright 2006 - 2018 Globe Business Publishing Limited Contributors Ireland Matheson Rory McPhillips [email protected] Matheson Stuart Kennedy [email protected] Matheson Stephen Gardiner 3/13 Lexology Navigator Powered by © Copyright 2006 - 2018 Globe Business Publishing Limited Recent developments and trends Recent developments Are there any notable recent developments or trends in the aviation sector in your jurisdiction? The Cape Town Convention Alternative A insolvency remedy came into force in Ireland on 10 May 2017. Alternative A is set out in Article XI of the Protocol to the Cape Town Convention, signed in Cape Town on 16 November 2001. By choosing to adopt Alternative A, Ireland gave the force of law to a regime functionally equivalent to the well- established Section 1110 US Bankruptcy Code system. Alternative A applies to leases, security agreements and conditional sale agreements for which registrations have been carried out on the International Registry of Mobile Assets. It provides a waiting period of 60 days, following which an aircraft object must be returned to the lender or lessor by the debtor, airline or insolvency administrator unless all defaults (other than a default constituted by insolvency proceedings) are cured and the debtor agrees to perform all future obligations under the relevant agreements. Ireland was one of the frst countries in Europe to introduce a mandatory register for aerial drones (above one kilo) pursuant to the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order (Statutory Instrument) 563/2015 (the Drones Order). Ireland was also the frst country to implement an online drone registration facility. Regulatory framework Domestic law What is the primary domestic legislation governing the aviation industry in your jurisdiction? Ireland has several different sources of legislation relevant to the aviation industry. These include primary legislation (ie, legislation passed by way of a parliamentary act by the Houses of Parliament in Ireland) and secondary legislation, which is passed by way of statutory instrument. Other relevant sources of legislation with applicability in Ireland include international conventions and legislation issued by EU institutions, which in some instances have a direct effect on Ireland. Domestic legislation governing aviation in Ireland is heavily infuenced by applicable European law. International law What international aviation agreements has your jurisdiction concluded? Ireland is party to a wide range of international aviation conventions, including the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol 2001, the Montreal Convention 1999, the Hague Convention 1970, the Tokyo Convention 1970, the Chicago Convention 1944 and the Warsaw Convention 1929 (as amended). Ireland has also signed – but not yet ratifed – the Geneva Convention 1959. Ireland is party to 29 bilateral air services agreements with non-EU countries. Their purpose is to regulate the provision of air services between the jurisdictions, which provide important access rights for air carriers. Regulatory authorities Which government bodies regulate the aviation industry and what is the extent of their powers? The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) is the Irish governmental department charged with the oversight of aviation policy. The implementation of certain DTTAS policies has been entrusted to the following bodies: • the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR); • the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA); and • the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU). The CAR was established in 2001 under the Aviation Regulation Act 2001 (as amended). The principal functions of the CAR are to: • regulate certain airport and air trafc control charges; 4/13 Lexology Navigator Powered by © Copyright 2006 - 2018 Globe Business Publishing Limited • license and issue certain permits for air carriers, travel agents, ground handlers and tour operators; • allocate airport slots at certain airports; and • oversee compliance with EU regulations regarding consumer protection in the aviation industry. The CAR has a number of statutory powers in these areas to ensure regulatory compliance, including the suspension and revocation of relevant authorisations. The IAA was established under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 (as amended) and has oversight and responsibilities in the areas of: • air trafc management (in Irish controlled airspace); • safety standards for civilian aviation in Ireland; • the certifcation and registration of aircraft in Ireland; • the licensing of certain aircraft personnel and aircraft maintenance organisations; and • the issuance of air operator certifcates to air carriers. The IAA has broad legislative powers in these areas, which extends to the suspension and revocation of licences, and powers of enforcement. The AAIU investigates aviation incidents occurring within Ireland and relating to Irish registered aircraft. It also coordinates and cooperates with safety investigation authorities overseas. Air carrier operations Operating authorisation What procedural and documentary requirements must air carriers meet in order to operate in your jurisdiction? An air carrier involved in commercial air transport (ie, the transport of passengers or cargo for hire or reward) and having its principal place of business in Ireland must hold a valid air operator certifcate issued by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and a valid air carrier operating licence issued by the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) before it can engage in commercial air transport operations. EU and EEA air carriers with a valid air operator certifcate and air carrier operating licence issued by their relevant national competent authorities may operate in and out of Ireland. Non-EEA air carriers seeking to operate in and out of Ireland must apply for authorisation from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS), which it grants in conjunction with the IAA, subject to compliance with applicable safety standards. To qualify for an air carrier operating licence, an applicant must satisfy the licensing conditions set out in EU Regulation 1008/2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the European community (the Air Services Regulation), which is directly applicable in Ireland. There are two categories of air carrier operating licence that may be granted by the CAR – Category A and Category B – which are dependent on the maximum take-off weight and passenger capacity of the aircraft to be operated by the relevant air carrier. Ownership and control Do any nationality or other requirements or restrictions apply to ownership or control of air carriers operating in your jurisdiction? Yes. The holder of an air carrier operating licence issued by the CAR must be both: • majority owned; and • effectively managed and controlled by EU member states or nationals of such member states at all times, except as may be provided for in EU agreements and in accordance with the provisions of the Air Services Regulation. Financial requirements What fnancial thresholds must air carriers meet to obtain operating authorisation? Pursuant to the Air Services Regulation, a large aircraft operator applying to the CAR for an air carrier operating licence must: • demonstrate that it can meet actual and potential (fnancial) obligations for a period of 24 months from the start 5/13 Lexology Navigator Powered by © Copyright 2006 - 2018 Globe Business Publishing Limited of its operations; • demonstrate that it can meet its fxed and operational costs (as foreseen realistically in its business plan) for a period of three months with no income; • present a detailed business plan covering the frst three years of its operation; and • provide certain fnancial ftness information as set out in the Air Services Regulation. The CAR may also request that an air carrier comply with certain net capital requirements pursuant to the Air Services Regulation. Air carriers
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Policy Briefing No.3
    policy briefing no.3 February 2011 Air Access and the Western Region A Regional Perspective WDC Policy Briefings: The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a statutory body promoting economic and social development in the Western Region of Ireland (counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Clare). WDC Policy Briefings highlight and provide discussion and analysis of key regional policy issues. Introduction Contents Air travel is a particularly important transport mode for an island economy and for connecting geographically remote regions. In Ireland, government policy1 supports the development and expansion of regional airports in Introduction order to improve accessibility and promote balanced regional development. However, policy supports are being What is the role reviewed due to both budgetary constraints and the cessation of contracts supporting air routes between Dublin of air transport in 2 and regional airports. The Department of Transport has recently announced a reduction in future route support regional economic and has published a Value for Money Review of Exchequer Expenditure on the Regional Airports Programme which development? makes recommendations to also reduce other supports for regional airports. This WDC Policy Briefing examines the importance of air access to the Western Region and the role of regional Which airports serve airports. It will show that these airports are important to the region’s economy, improving accessibility for the Western Region? enterprises and tourists. Airports in the
    [Show full text]
  • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE the Facts Ireland Northwest
    Contents Preface 3 Preface Ireland Northwest, centred on the Derry-Letterkenny City Region, is exceptionally well 4 The facts placed as an investment hub for business and global companies seeking to establish a gateway to both the UK and EU markets. Ireland Northwest is renowned for its rich 6 Map tourism, its culture and its heritage offerings, with an established reputation as a 8 Why invest in Ireland Northwest? compelling investment proposition. 10 Growth sectors 12 Case study It is a perfect location for businesses to invest and We are an accessible, connected and business grow. As investors seek to form solid foundations friendly gateway region and have a vision for 14 Innovation, creativity and knowledge on which to base future investment decisions greater international impact. 16 Talent, skills & resources and with a foothold firmly in the EU and the UK, Ireland Northwest delivers a unique combination our clear message is that Ireland Northwest can 18 Investing in our future of benefits for relocating and expanding provide the stability and the options that your businesses, it has a proven track record in John Kelpie 19 Global research & technology centres business needs. of excellence hosting leading international companies such as Chief Executive Derry City and Strabane District and Donegal Pramerica, Seagate, Randox, DuPont, Allstate, Derry City and Strabane District Council 20 Business incubation County Councils are proactively taking a OneSourceVirtual, Zeus and Optum. These & co-working space leadership role to profile Ireland Northwest as companies are already reaping the benefits of 22 Cost of living an investment location and promote this cross- operating in Ireland Northwest and provide robust border gateway region’s unique economic, social, testimonies for the new companies that are cultural and environmental assets.
    [Show full text]
  • Killybegs Harbour Centre & South West Donegal, Ireland Access To
    Killybegs Harbour Centre & South West Donegal, Ireland Area Information Killybegs is situated on the North West Coast of Ireland with the newest harbour facility in the country which opened in 2004. The area around the deep fjord-like inlet of Killybegs has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The town was named in early Christian times, the Gaelic name Na Cealla Beaga referring to a group of monastic cells. Interestingly, and perhaps surprisingly in a region not short of native saints, the town’s patron saint is St. Catherine of Alexandria. St. Catherine is the patron of seafarers and the association with Killybegs is thought to be from the 15th Century which confirms that Killybeg’s tradition of seafaring is very old indeed. The area is rich in cultural & historical history having a long association with marine history dating back to the Spanish Armada. Donegal is renowned for the friendliness & hospitality of its people and that renowned ‘Donegal Welcome’ awaits cruise passengers & crew to the area from where a pleasant travel distance through amazing sea & mountain scenery of traditional picturesque villages with thatched cottages takes you to visit spectacular castles and national parks. Enjoy the slow pace of life for a day while having all the modern facilities of city life. Access to the area Air access Regular flights are available from UK airports and many European destinations to Donegal Airport which is approx an hour’s drive from Killybegs City of Derry Airport approx 1 hour 20 mins drive from Kilybegs International flights available to and from Knock International Airport 2 hours and 20 minutes drive with public transport connections.
    [Show full text]
  • Ireland's Action Plan on Aviation Emissions Reduction
    Principal contact/National Focal Point James Lavelle. Assistant Principal Officer Aviation Services and Security Division Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport 44 Kildare Street Dublin 2 IRELAND Telephone +353 1 604 1130 Fax +353 1 604 1699 Email: [email protected] Alternate contact Ivan Nolan. Executive Officer Aviation Services and Security Division Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport 44 Kildare Street Dublin 2 IRELAND Telephone +353 1 604 1248 Fax +353 1 604 1699 Email: [email protected] IRELAND’S ACTION PLAN ON AVIATION EMISSIONS REDUCTION- Contents INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 2 General approach .................................................................................................................... 2 Current State of aviation in Ireland ....................................................................................... 3 Air Traffic Control Service Provision ................................................................................. 4 Passenger and Freight Numbers ...................................................................................... 5 Main Air Routes ................................................................................................................... 7 Irish Aircraft Registrations .................................................................................................. 7 Main Irish Air Carriers and Fleet Characteristics ...........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Donegal Prospectus.Pdf
    DONEGAL IRELAND A great place to live, work & do business... DONEGAL_IRELAND_CONNECTED_TO_THE_WORLD PROJECT KELVIN Contents DONEGAL_IRELAND_ _CONNECTED_TO_THE_WORLD 4. Introduction 20. Killybegs 30. Culture, Heritage & Arts 42. Donegal Diaspora 5. Welcome to Donegal 22. Letterkenny / Derry Gateway 32. Scenic Donegal & Attractions 44. Location & Infrastructure 6. Doing Business in Donegal 24. Connectivity 34. An Ghaeltacht 46. Business Support Agencies in Donegal 14. Education 26. Health Services 36. Recreational & Sporting Activities 18. Gaoth Dobhair Business Park 28. Donegal & Its People 40. Good Food In Great Places 02 | DONEGAL IRELAND Front Cover Image: Fanad Head Lighthouse Photography supplied by Wallace Media, Donegal Tourism Ltd., Brian McElhinney & The Mary from Dungloe Festival DONEGAL IRELAND | 03 DONEGAL_IRELAND_CONNECTED_TO_THE_WORLD Réamhrá Cead Míle Fáilte go Dhún na nGall Introduction Welcome to Donegal Donegal situated in the North West of Ireland is a great place in which to live, Welcome to our Donegal Prospectus which will introduce you to our county to work and to do business. Our new Local Economic and Community Plan has Donegal as a great place to live, to work and to do business. Donegal, situated set out a range of goals which will consolidate and further develop Donegal in the North West of Ireland is one of the most scenic and culturally vibrant in this regard. As can be seen from this prospectus, Donegal is a place of places in Ireland with stunning land and seascapes, excellent recreational spectacular beauty with world class businesses, a skilled workforce and a amenities, world class employment and investment opportunities and the positive and supportive attitude to enterprise and innovation.
    [Show full text]
  • Guidelines for the Release of Racing Pigeons for the Purpose of Ensuring Safety of Aircraft and Passengers and Crew Travelling Therein
    GUIDELINES FOR THE RELEASE OF Issued by the Safety Regulation Division of the RACING PIGEONS Irish Aviation Authority Introduction The Safety Regulation Division of the Irish Aviation Authority has issued the following guidelines for the release of racing pigeons for the purpose of ensuring safety of aircraft and passengers and crew travelling therein. The guidelines are available to all Racing Pigeon Clubs and all owners of racing pigeons. Why are racing pigeons a hazard for aircraft? Racing pigeons are a predictable hazard to both civil and military aviation. There are four main reasons why they are hazardous to aircraft: (1) Racing pigeons are heavy birds - weighing at least 450g i.e. almost half a kilo; (2) Racing pigeons fly in flocks, which, in the case of pigeon races may involve 30,000 birds. Flocks cause multiple bird strikes i.e. where several or many birds strike an aircraft. This in turn increases the risk of a bird or birds entering the jet engine. Most commercial jets (e.g. Boeing 737, 777, Airbus A320, A330) have two very large diameter engine intakes, so the risk of birds entering both engines increases when a flock strikes the aircraft; (3) Racing pigeons travel at speeds of up to 70 mph, which means that there may be insufficient time for pilots and or birds to take evasive action thus increasing the risk of collision; (4) Racing pigeons fly at low altitudes of the order of 300ft and therefore if a collision occurs it happens as the aircraft is at a critical phase of flight having either just taken off or when it is about to land; In addition, racing pigeons do not usually respond to conventional bird control measures at airports and as they are wild animals, their behavior is predictable only to a limited extent.
    [Show full text]
  • Mr. Simon Coveney, TD Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 80, St
    EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, 23.2.2021 C(2021) 1389 final In the published version of this decision, PUBLIC VERSION some information has been omitted, pursuant to articles 30 and 31 of Council This document is made available for Regulation (EU) 2015/1589 of 13 July 2015 information purposes only. laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, concerning non-disclosure of information covered by professional secrecy. The omissions are shown thus […] Subject: State Aid SA.59709 (2021/N) – Ireland – COVID-19 - Aid to airport operators Excellency, 1. PROCEDURE (1) Following pre-notification contacts,1 on 19 February 2021 Ireland notified an aid scheme to airport operators in Ireland (the “scheme”)2. Ireland notified the scheme, which comprises three measures, under three legal bases: (a) a damage compensation measure assessed directly under Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (“TFEU” or “Treaty”) (“Measure 1”); (b) a measure under section 3.1 of the Temporary Framework for State aid measures 1 Ireland pre-notified the measure on 15 December 2020. During the pre-notification phase, there was one telephone conference between the Irish authorities and the Commission services. On 23 December 2020 and 2 February 2021, Commission requested additional information, to which Ireland responded on 22 January 2021 and 8 February 2021, respectively. 2 On 22 February 2021, the Commission requested additional information from Ireland. The latter responded on 22 and 23 February 2021. Mr. Simon Coveney, TD Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 80, St.
    [Show full text]
  • Consultation on an Integrated Irish Aviation Policy Western
    Consultation on An Integrated Irish Aviation Policy To the Department of Transport, Sport and Tourism Submission from the Western Development Commission July 2013 Contact: Deirdre Frost Policy Analyst Western Development Commission Dillon House Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon Tel: 094 986 1441 Fax: 094 986 1443 Web: www.wdc.ie 1. Introduction The Western Development Commission (WDC) welcomes this opportunity to make a submission to the Issues Paper for Consultation on An Integrated Irish Aviation Policy issued by the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, February 2013. The WDC is a statutory body established by government to promote, foster and encourage economic and social development in the Western Region 1. It operates under the aegis of the DECLG 2. The WDC works in co-operation with national, regional and local bodies involved in western development to ensure that the Western Region maximises its full development potential. It does this by: • analysing economic and social trends and making policy recommendations; • promoting the Western Region through the LookWest.ie and RE:CONNECT campaigns; • supporting the rural economy through facilitating strategic initiatives (e.g. renewable energy, creative economy); and • providing risk capital to businesses through the WDC Investment Fund 3. One of the functions of the WDC is regional policy analysis. The WDC seeks to ensure that government policy reflects the needs and maximises the potential of the Western Region in such areas as infrastructure, natural resources, enterprise and regional and rural development. It also tracks the implementation of policies and recommends adjustments as appropriate. It is in this context that the WDC welcomes the publication of the Issues Paper for Consultation on An Integrated Irish Aviation Policy and the opportunity to submit its insights into the policy formulation process.
    [Show full text]
  • NDP Submission
    Draft National Planning Framework Ireland 2040 Submission from Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce November 2017 Toni Forrester Chief Executive Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce Grand Central Complex, Canal Road, Letterkenny Introduction Letterkenny Chamber is making this submission to the Draft Plan in the context of the earlier submission that was made as part of the initial phase of consultation associated with the Issues & Choices paper and it reinforces the key considerations for the North West as set out in that document. The challenges facing the Donegal and the wider North West are great and have become even more heightened in light of Brexit which are yet to be fully understood. As a border town and County, we believe that businesses located here will feel the effects of Brexit much more acutely and as a result will need to see that strategic investment is made if the region is to become economically sustainable. The main theme of this submission is to ensure that the strategic approach to regional growth being developed through The North West Strategic Growth Partnership is recognised nationally and that this approach can deliver strategic investment in the region in a way that benefits the population and the state. Our organisation and our members are fully behind this approach to the economic future of the region. The North West City Region needs to be fully recognised within the NPF as a strategic metropolitan area. We believe the approach in your plan for effective regional development could finally deliver economic benefit to the region and result in it becoming a net contributor to the whole country.
    [Show full text]
  • View the Irish Culture Pack
    A GLIMPSE OF IRELAND IRELAND IRELAND IRELAND Getting to Ireland Belfast City Airport (BHD) Belfast International Airport (BFS) Cork Airport (ORK) Derry Airport (LDY) Donegal Airport (CFN) Dublin Airport (DUB) Galway Airport (GWY) Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) Kerry Airport (KIR) Shannon Airport (SNN) Sligo Airport (SXL) Waterford Airport (WAT) Climate Ireland enjoys a temperate climate, (proximity to Atlantic Ocean & presence of the Gulf Stream). Typical winter weather in Ireland is clouds and rain --occasional sunny spell. The mountains may have snow on them for many weeks in winter, Temperatures --a January average of 5ºC. Overnight temperatures often drop below freezing point, and ice and frosts are common. Each winter there are a few weeks when the temperature does not rise above freezing point all day, and rivers and lakes can partially freeze over. Typically, summers in Ireland have warm, sunny weather and a sky dotted with gentle fluffy clouds. Light rain occasionally occurs on days like these. In July and August, the conditions can become very humid and thunder storms can occur with lightning. Average July temp 15ºC, Across Ireland, the local climate differs from place to place. The wettest weather always occurs in mountains The driest weather occurs east The south that enjoys the warmest weather. Occasionally there is a "blast from the north", bringing very cold weather from the Arctic, characterised by icy winds, snow and frost. Population Approximately 4.35 million In 1841, the population of the was over 6.5 million people. The Irish Potato famine and the emigration it caused had a dramatic effect 1871 the population had almost halved to four million 1926 had reduced further to three million The population held firm around three million until the early 1970s when the population began to rise again.
    [Show full text]
  • Conference Brochure
    NEARBY ATTRACTIONS • A visit to Slieve League or Sliabh Liag which translates as the Mountain of the Flagstones. This is the highest and one of the finest marine cliffs in Europe with a 600m drop into the Atlantic waves - a 50 minute car drive from Lough Eske Castle. • A walk/hike through the Blue Stack Mountains - a 65km route through a true wilderness area of County Donegal. • Donegal Bay Waterbus Tour – A unique way to learn about Donegal and its history. • Golfing - Donegal is the links olfg capital of Ireland. With five of the county’s finest championship courses, all located within approx. 10 minutes to one hour from Lough Eske Castle • Fishing – Boat hire is available to fish in the Lough Eske, which means ‘Lake of the fish’ and is home to sea trout, spring salmon and char. • Enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, sailing, dolphin and whale watching. Clay pigeon shooting and archery also available upon request. • Surfing - With 13 Blue Flag beaches in the county, Donegal is perfect for the beginner and more advanced surfer. • Revel in the unspoiled scenery on horseback across Atlantic beaches, moors, mountains, and forest trails • Visit Glenveagh National Park and Castle just 70 minutes’ drive from the castle, which boasts the largest herd of Red Deer in Ireland and has reintroduced the Golden Eagle to Irish Shores. • Enjoy shopping and experience the nightlife of Donegal Town located only 10 minutes away. Make a special stop at Magee’s and Irish House stores and learn how the legendary Donegal Tweed is made Extensive list of on-site/off-site activities available CONFERENCE & EVENTS AT LOUGH ESKE CASTLE Lough Eske Castle is Donegal’s only 5 star hotel, the perfect location for your event.
    [Show full text]
  • Letterkenny Brochure
    COUNTY DONEGAL LETTERKENNY IRELAND County Donegal’s Gateway Town for Business, Commerce & Industry comhairle chontae dhún na ngall donegal county council Letterkenny - County Donegal’s Gateway Town for Business, Commerce & Industry Letterkenny Leitir Ceanainn - Gateway to the 21st Century Letterkenny, the commercial centre of Co. Donegal, is a modern vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage. As well as being County Donegal’s largest town, Letterkenny is also the largest town in the three Ulster counties within the Republic of Ireland, with a population last year of 19,588. Nationally, the figures show an increase in Ireland’s population density, with an average of 67 people living on every square kilometer – compared to 62 in the previous census of 2006. In 2002 under the auspices of the Irish Government’s National Spatial Strategy Letterkenny was designated a Linked Gateway along with the City of Derry. Originally a market town serving a wide agricultural hinterland, Letterkenny has evolved to become a modern centre for industry and enterprise. The town has a long track record of adaptability. Expanding from a market town, it made use of its location on the shores of Lough Swilly to become a thriving port during the 19th Century. In the latter part of the 19th and early part of the 20th Century the railway age impacted on Letterkenny, connecting it with outlying towns in North and West Donegal. Despite the closure of the railway in the 1950’s, improving road communications ensured that Letterkenny stayed at the centre of the economic development of Co. Donegal. Letterkenny provided a setting for new industries and service sector enterprises when the traditional industries of agriculture and textiles declined.
    [Show full text]