Travel agent closes on 400 holidaymakers

A Co Kildare travel agent has gone out of business leaving some 400 expectant holidaymakers on its books.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation is advising customers of Sunworth Ltd, trading as Clane Travel, that they must claim their holidays from the commission following yesterday's closure of the travel agent.

The company, with offices in Main Street, Clane, Co Kildare, was forced to cease trading due to financial difficulties, a spokeswoman for the commission said.

No holidaymakers who had already departed on trips booked through Clane Travel will be stranded abroad, the spokeswoman said.

However, one woman who is due to depart this weekend has had to pay for her holiday a second time and will be obliged to wait until after her return to recoup the money from the commission.

Customers who had booked their holidays and not yet travelled will have to fill out a claim form to ensure their holidays are secured.

"Everyone who has booked with Clane Travel will still get to go on their holidays or will be reimbursed," the spokeswoman said.

As a licensed travel agent, Clane Travel was forced to set aside 4 per cent of its annual budget for this eventuality.

Claim forms are available from the commission by phoning 01-6346844, 01-6346841 or 01-6326840.