SHUT DOWN

IRELAND looks set to remain cut off from Europe for the rest of the weekend as the continuing spread of volcanic ash across northern Europe brought aviation to the biggest standstill since 9/11.

After re-opening all Irish airspace earlier yesterday, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) was last night forced to once again close Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Shannon airports as the ash cloud drifted back over the south of the country.

In the country’s other airports, all flights heading eastwards and southward remained grounded as the volcanic ash cloud was still hanging over Britain and most of mainland Europe.