Statement from the Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning 15-Apr-2010

Present at the meeting were representatives from the Department of Transport, the Irish Coast Guard, the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Department of Defence, the Department of An Taoiseach, An Garda Siochana, Met Eireann, and the Irish Aviation Authority. The purpose of the meeting this evening was to ensure that the most up-to-date information available from all the relevant agencies was brought to the attention of the Committee.

The current situation is that the cloud of volcanic ash is currently in the upper layers of the atmosphere. According to advice from Met Eireann, the EPA and the Department of Health and Children at this time, there are no air quality or public health concerns.

The current restrictions on air travel are as a result of safety concerns arising from the volcanic ash plume. Safety is the priority. All aircraft are grounded until further notice as exposure to volcanic ash creates a severe safety risk to aircraft.

Restrictions on air travel are widespread across northern Europe and the situation may continue for a number of days. In Ireland, nearly 500 flights at the 3 state airports were cancelled today disrupting the travel plans of approximately 50,000 people.

The IAA acting on advice from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre will issue another bulletin later this evening following the next advisory notice due to be issued by the Centre at 7pm. Eurocontrol, the European agency for the safety of air navigation is monitoring the situation across Europe.

The Taoiseach and members of Government are been kept fully informed by the Committee on the ongoing situation. The Committee will meet again tomorrow morning at 11am.

Passengers booked on flights over the coming days should contact their airlines in advance of travel.

The Committee will meet again tomorrow morning. A further update will issue after that meeting.