Crisis centre launched for Irish citizens stranded abroad

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin said his officials have opened a consular crisis centre for Irish citizens stranded abroad due to grounded flights.

The centre, at Hainault House in Dublin, will be manned until 8pm tonight and will remain open throughout the week.

Passengers in difficulty can contact the service on 00 353 1 4082999.

Mr Martin stressed his Department can provide information and reassurance but cannot organise individual travel arrangements.

“I am deeply conscious of the plight of the many thousands of Irish citizens who have found themselves unable to return home because of flight restrictions,” he said.

“At this stage, it would appear that the situation is unlikely to change in the immediate future.”

Mr Martin said the bulk of Irish citizens are coping with the flight ban but there are cases of individual hardship.

“I am also well aware of the huge efforts that the Irish embassies abroad are already undertaking to assist those stranded,” he said.

Martin advised citizens abroad to keep in contact with their tour operators and airlines and to register their details on a travel registration section on his department’s website (www.dfa.ie).

Those with genuine emergencies, such as a shortage of prescribed medical products, are being advised to contact the local Irish embassy, consulate or honorary consulate.

Mr Martin said people running out of funds should ask a relative or friend to transfer money through the normal commercial companies.

The local Irish mission can advise on such transactions and will also help if foreign visas are about to expire.

“I would like to assure all those who find themselves stranded that the Government are acutely aware of their difficulties and will keep the position under review,” he said.