The plans of low-cost airline Virgin Express to set up in Ireland moved a step closer yesterday when the company's senior executives met the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, in Dublin. The airline, currently based in Brussels, will announce its plans within the next three weeks. Several hundred jobs could eventually be involved.

Ms O'Rourke said last night that she looked forward to receiving a formal application from the airline to operate flights in and out of Ireland, "which in time, would further add to the increasing range of options for travellers".

Last month, Virgin said it wanted to transfer operations to Ireland because it believed labour costs in Belgium were high and government and union interference were excessive. It said it would launch flights from Ireland, but had not yet decided on routes.

Last month, a spokesman for Virgin Express told The Irish Times that the company would base much of its administrative activities in Ireland. It is looking at Dublin and Shannon as possible locations and is to meet the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Ms Harney.

Yesterday's Virgin Express deputation included the group's president and chief executive, Mr James E Swigart, and Mr Dan Montath, its chief operating officer. They were accompanied by Aer Rianta's chairman, Mr Noel Hanlon; chief executive, Mr John Burke, and company secretary, Ms Margaret Sweeney.