Aer Lingus has confirmed that it will begin services to three new cities in the US before the end of the year, following agreement on an 'open skies' deal between the European Union and the US.
The airline's new routes are to San Francisco, Orlando and Washington, with the San Francisco service expected to start in October.
EU transport ministers unanimously approved the draft agreement at a meeting in Brussels earlier.
The deal will also see the phasing out of the Shannon stopover.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has welcomed the decision.
Mr Ahern said that it will be good for Aer Lingus and for the country.
