Air traffic controllers to mount 24-hour strike next week

Air traffic controllers have announced plans for a 24-hour strike at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports next week.

If it goes ahead next Thursday, the action will completely shut down the three airports.

The strike is being planned due to the ongoing row over what the IMPACT trade union says are chronic staff shortages among air traffic controllers.

Talks aimed at resolving the row broke down at the Labour Relations Commission last night.

Ireland's three main airports have already been hit by delays and cancellations as a result of an overtime ban by the controllers.