Minister Dempsey publishes Aviation (Pre Clearance bill 2009

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey published the Aviation (Pre Clearance) Bill 2009 this week. The legislation when it comes into force will allow the establishment of full US customs and border pre clearance at Shannon airport from July 2009 and at Dublin from November 2010. Once established, Shannon will be the first airport outside of continental America, Aruba, Bermuda and the Bahamas to offer full CBP clearance. At present both Dublin and Shannon offer pre inspection. Publication of the 2009 Bill was necessary to ensure the opening of the facility at Shannon prior to the Dail (Irish Parliament) summer recess. British Airways has announced that it will be availing of the Shannon facility on westbound legs of it's new business only service form London City to New York when it commences this autumn.