Dempsey seeks to ease fears over volcanic ash

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey today predicted volcanic ash would not be dumped on the country despite forecasts for an unsettled northerly airflow over Ireland early next week.

Mr Dempsey warned against scaremongering as Met Eireann predicted that a weak weather front would move in late on Sunday, possibly washing ash to the ground during light rain.

Aviation chiefs continued to restrict Irish airspace, but only over the south coast, as the plume moved slowly east, forcing airports across Europe to shutdown.

Mr Dempsey said health officials would advise on the implications of ash being deposited in rain, if it happens.

“I’ll await the advice from the Health Service Executive, they’ll be able to tell us at that stage,” he said.

“I don’t know what their advice is because it doesn’t arise now.”

The minister also rubbished suggestions that rainfall would bring a nationwide dusting of the volcanic ash amid anecdotal reports of cars and windows covered in light powder.

He added: “There is no indication at the moment. If the wind changes, if the weather conditions change, then that might actually change. But at the moment we shouldn’t be trying to create a scenario where people are going to be terrified.”

Experts said the massive plume was hanging over England and Wales and most of mainland Europe, but continuing to move away from the south east of Ireland.

Although the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) reopened Shannon, Cork and Dublin airports, it warned that services in and out of the country were severely limited by restrictions at European airports which were still badly affected by the ash cloud from Eyjaffjalljokull.

The authority said part of the volcanic ash plume was covering about 100,000 square miles off the south coast of Ireland.

Donie Mooney, the IAA’s director of operations, warned: “As long as the volcano is active our airspace continues to be at risk and we cannot rule out further restrictions if the weather patterns change and the ash cloud returns to Ireland.

“Safety will always be our first concern.”

Aer Lingus cancelled all services tonight, with the exception of one flight to Scotland and transatlantic routes, while Ryanair axed all services to and from the UK, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Holland, northern France and Germany, eastern Europe and southern continental Europe.

The Government’s emergency planning committee, which held its second meeting over the eruption, said there was no air quality, public health or environmental concerns from the plume.

It said the cloud had moved eastwards but warned that significant disruption would remain for air travellers due to restrictions in the UK and Europe.

Met Eireann said high pressure would keep the cloud blocked from Ireland over the weekend, though an airflow would come directly from Iceland in a weak front early next week, bringing some light rain.

Forecaster Evelyn Cusack said the ash could have dissipated by the time the weak airflow reaches Ireland.

Maurice Mullin, assistant secretary at the Department of Transport, said officials would be monitoring the situation.

“Any advice that’s necessary will be given as quickly as we can determine that advice,” Mr Mullin said. The body is due to meet again tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the volcanic ash scare continued to boost ferry passenger numbers, with Irish Ferries claiming the queues in Dublin Port for services across the Irish Sea were exceptional.

Despite massive demand, the company said it could accommodate people on its Holyhead and Pembroke services.