Dublin Airport closed until at least 7pm, Shannon to re-open

Dublin Airport will remain closed for all flights until at least 7pm tonight, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has declared.

An update on the airport's status will be issued later today.

"We can't forecast too far ahead, but we will have a better idea later this afternoon about the picture for this evening," an IAA spokesman said.

Shannon Airport is set to reopen from 1pm while Cork airport will remain closed for now, with an update expected this afternoon.

Overflights of Irish Airspace are permitted above 20,500 feet.

The IAA has advised all passengers to consult their airlines' websites before travelling to the airport for flights.

The HSE has said that advice from the European Centre of Disease Control indicates that the amount of ash likely to come to ground in the coming days is minimal, if any, and "impact on health will be equally minimal".