Airports to open earlier than expected

The Irish Aviation Authority has issued an update on flight restrictions to six Irish airports this morning.

Last night it ordered a shut down until lunchtime for some airports after a massive ash cloud headed for the west coast of the country last night.

Now Dublin, Waterford and Cork airports remain open - while Shannon, Kerry, Galway Sligo and Ireland knock west are open from 10am this morning.

Donegal airport will open at 8.30am.

People are still being warned to regularly check with their airlines before going to the aiport.

The restrictions were required as the increased level of recent volcanic activity has created a massive ash cloud stretching 1,000 miles long and 700 miles wide.

While the northerly winds are keeping the bulk of the cloud out in the Atlantic, the increased size of the cloud continues to pose a risk especially if the winds change.