Ireland to become aviation hotspot

Dublin, 24 November 1917 - Ireland is set to become a major hub for commercial aviation in the aftermath of the present war.

Inquiries by the Freeman’s Journal has revealed plans to acquire lands suitable for the development of aerodromes at several locations in comparatively close proximity to each other.

Development of the stations will require a major investment of money on labour, albeit with the benefit of increased employment.  

It is understood that the ambition for the stations is not based on short-term or temporary war purposes, but on the long-term commercial development of aviation in the post-war era.

Ireland’s suitability to aviation has already been acknowledged. Previously, in the House of Commons, the government stressed the country’s geographical advantages as regards the development of a trans-Atlantic aerial service following the conclusion of the war.

[Editor's note: This is an article from Century Ireland, a fortnightly online newspaper, written from the perspective of a journalist 100 years ago, based on news reports of the time.]