Latest data from Ireland's Central Statistics Office (CSO) have shown that inbound travel is "moving into recovery", according to transport, tourism and sport minister Leo Varadkar.

Figures for the second quarter of the year revealed an increase in the number of total trips to Ireland in excess of 15 per cent, compared with the same period in 2010.

Nearly 1.8 million overseas residents travelled to Ireland between April and June, taking the total for the half year to June to nearly 3 million - up from 2.6 million in H1 2010.

Varadkar said: "Clearly comparisons with the first half of 2010 are distorted by the impact of severe weather and the volcanic ash on travel between March and May last year.

"Nonetheless, today's figures confirm indications on the ground that overseas travel to Ireland is moving into recovery.

"The government will continue to prioritise tourism as a key industry in Ireland's economic recovery, utilising the measures contained in our Jobs Initiative."

The increase supports suggestions from recent private sector research, such as the STR Global report highlighted by Deloitte as showing a 9.9 per cent increase in Dublin hotel occupancy.

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