Air traffic dispute due before Labour Court today

The dispute between air traffic controllers and the Irish Aviation Authority is due before the Labour Court later today.

The controllers are planning a 24-hour strike on Thursday in protest at what they say are chronic staff shortages at Ireland's three main airports.

They have already caused some disruption in Dublin, Cork and Shannon after imposing a ban on overtime to highlight the situation.

However, if Thursday's strike goes ahead, hundreds of flights will be grounded.

The controllers want the Irish Aviation Authority to agree to an immediate recruitment campaign and a new system of overtime.