Increase in number of trips abroad

An average of over 24,000 people a day travelled abroad from Ireland in September, according to figures released yesterday.

Despite a downturn in the economy, Irish people took almost three-quarters of a million overseas trips in September, the Central Statistics Office said.

The number of trips taken abroad was up by almost 93,000 on the same time last year. There was also an increase in the number of trips to Ireland, from 738,400 in September 2006, to 774,300 in September 2007.

However, there were 8,900 fewer trips from the US and Canada in September compared with the same month in 2006, a drop of over 7 per cent. There was also a 4,100 drop in such trips in August.

Numbers of British visitors were slightly down on the same time last year, but visits from people living in other European countries were up by 23 per cent, to 45,000.

The survey took place at Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock and Kerry airports as well as Rosslare, Ringaskiddy, Dún Laoghaire and Dublin ports.

Olivia Mitchell, Fine Gael spokeswoman on tourism, expressed concern at the drop in North American visitors, saying it should sound alarm bells for the Government and for Tourism Ireland.

Minister for Tourism Séamus Brennan said the Irish industry is on track for another excellent year.

"When comparing the figures for September, it is important to remember that Ireland successfully hosted the Ryder Cup in September 2006," he said.