IRELAND’S two largest airlines have been accused of conducting a “cynical, politically motivated” attack on ash cloud safety measures, after claiming protection plans were “inaccurate” and needlessly closing airports.

AN advanced system for forecasting volcanic ash in Irish airspace has been developed by researchers at NUI Galway.

Aer Lingus today called on the European Union to urgently revise the procedures used to predict volcanic ash concentrations, as further closures of airspace are threatened across Ireland and the UK.

AVIATION officials were meeting late last night amid fears flights may have to be grounded for a second day because of volcanic ash as Irish airlines face a summer of uncertainty.

UP to 100 people stranded abroad as a result of last month’s ash cloud crisis are contacting Ireland’s aviation regulator every day seeking compensation advice.

UP to 100 people stranded abroad as a result of last month’s ash cloud crisis are contacting Ireland’s aviation regulator every day seeking compensation advice.

ALL flights in and out of this country have been grounded since 7am as northerly winds have driven clouds of Icelandic volcano ash back into Irish airspace.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has informed Irish-based airlines that it will be imposing restriction on all flights in and out of Ireland from 7am local until 1pm tomorrow, due to risk of ash ingestion in aircraft engines.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has warned that Dublin, Shannon and some regional northern airports may see flight restrictions tomorrow.