Statement from the Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning 20-Apr-2010
20-Apr-2010 This morning, the Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning, met for the sixth time at the National Emergency Co-ordinating Centre regarding the ongoing issue involving the volcanic ash cloud.
Present at the meeting were representatives from the Department of Transport, the Irish Coast Guard, the Office for Emergency Planning, the HSE, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Defence, the Department of An Taoiseach, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, An Garda Siochana, Met Eireann, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Geological Survey of Ireland, the Irish Aviation Authority, Defence Forces, Failte Ireland and the ferry companies. The purpose of the meeting today was to further ensure that the most up-to-date information available from all the relevant agencies was brought to the attention of the Committee.
Latest geological advice and information is that volcanic activity has entered a phase of less ash being generated. Met Eireann reports that while the forecast remains unchanged for the next few days, further evidence indicates that the weekend will bring changes to our weather pattern, which should enable flight restrictions to be eased over Ireland and Europe.
As a result of increased eruptions yesterday afternoon and prevailing weather conditions, Dublin airport will remain closed until 7pm this evening, Cork airport will be closed until 6pm and Shannon until 1pm this afternoon. However, passengers are strongly advised to consult their air carrier's website or travel agent for advice and do not travel to the airport unless you have a confirmed booking.
The Taskforce were advised by the HSE that advice from the European Centre of Disease Control indicates that the amount of ash likely to come to ground in the coming days is minimal, if any, and impact on health will be equally minimal. The HSE advice on their website on public health (www.hse.ie) is in line with that of the European Centre for Disease Control.
The Department of Transport and other agencies are continuing to receive enquiries about ash falling in Ireland. The position as confirmed by the EPA remains that there has been no deterioration of air quality associated with the volcanic ash plume. Monitoring by the EPA has been increased. The EPA is maintaining contacts with their Icelandic and other European colleagues.
Representatives of the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) briefed the
Taskforce this morning on the capacity of ferry companies to continue to carry passengers. While appreciating that many people are inconvenienced, the Taskforce were informed that ferries still have capacity on major routes and noted the ever- increasing number of passengers successfully returning to Ireland by ferry. For example, the additional sailing on the Cork-Swansea route last night carried an additional 500 passengers.
Also attending the Taskforce meeting this morning was a representative from the Commission for Aviation Regulation to advise on passenger rights. The Taskforce noted that the Commission for Aviation Regulation has been very proactive in ensuring that information on travellers rights is in the public domain. This information is available on their website at www.aviationregulation.ie
To support visitors stranded in Ireland Failte Ireland are in daily contact with 4,000 accommodation providers across the country and the 70 tourist offices. Special accommodation rates, (for example of €30 per night) in Bord Failte approved premises are available for travellers who can demonstrate that they have been stranded.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation are continuing discussions regarding ameliorating the impact on industry. The Department reported that a while companies have experienced particularly difficulties, a substantial number of Irish exporters have found alternative channels for their products.
The Department of Foreign Affairs Crisis Response Centre yesterday dealt with over 1,100 inquiries, mainly seeking information about alternative travel arrangements. An official from the Embassy in Paris is positioned in Cherbourg to be of assistance to travellers.
The Taskforce will meet again tomorrow at 10am.
A series of Frequently Asked Questions has been developed by the Taskforce for members of the public and is being updated as required. It is available on www.transport.ie.