There are calls for the Minister for Transport Eamonn Ryan to clarify his plans to re-start air travel connectivity in Kerry and the South West region.
Fianna Fáil councillor Mikey Sheehy raised the issue at the monthly meeting of Kerry County Council.
He called on the council to write to the Minister for Transport to get clarification regarding plans to re-start the industry post COVID-19.
Cllr Mikey Sheehy says the tourism industry is worth €400 to €500 million per annum to Kerry and relies on robust and functioning air transport connections.
He says while it looks like the PSO route between Kerry and Dublin will be filled by mid-July, he claims there's a lot of transatlantic slots not filled in Shannon.
CEO of Kerry Airport John Mulhern had been due to attend the online meeting to brief councillors, however, was unable to attend due to another commitment but sent a statement outlining the current situation.
A number of councillors called for Mr Mulhern to come before them at the earliest convenience.
Fine Gael councillor Jim Finucane had previously called for Kerry Airport representatives to meet with Emerald Airlines, who are poised to continue the PSO routes in 2022.
Cllr Finucane says he wants to know if that meeting took place and he also highlighted the importance of ensure staffing levels and the people with the necessary skillset for the aviation sector are maintained in Kerry.
