![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/2.57566389.png\")
The number of passengers arriving into Ireland on overseas routes increased by 12 per cent in March, new figures show.<\/p>\nThe number of passengers arriving into Ireland on overseas routes increased by 12 per cent in March, new figures show.<\/p>\n
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) released its air and sea travel statistics.<\/p>\n
It shows that in March, 61,400 passengers arrived in Ireland, an increase of 12 per cent compared to February, which was 54,800 passengers.<\/p>\n
The statistics show that continental routes contributed most to the passenger traffic.<\/p>\n
Some 34,800 passengers arrived on continental routes and 36,600 passengers departed on continental routes.<\/p>\n
By way of contrast, 17,500 passengers arrived on cross-channel routes and 20,400 passengers departed on cross-channel routes.<\/p>\n
Just 2,800 passengers arrived on transatlantic routes and 2,700 passengers departed on these routes.<\/p>\n
Apart from Britain, which accounted for all cross-channel routes, other routes included Spain at 5,900 arrivals and 5,800 departures, the Netherlands at 5,200 arrivals and 5,800 departures and France with 5,100 arrivals and 5,300 departures.<\/p>\n
From the beginning of the year, a total of 224,200 overseas passengers arrived in Ireland and 238,400 overseas passengers left the Republic.<\/p>\n
This compares to approximately 3 million arrivals and 3 million departures in the same period in 2020.<\/p>\n
Gregg Patrick, statistician, said: \u201cThis illustrates the ongoing dramatic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on international travel to and from Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n