Ash cloud may lead to millions in losses for tourism

The Tourism Minister Mary Hanafin is due to meet with industry represenatives today, to discuss the impact of the volcanic ash cloud.

Tourism faces losses of €20m every day if airport closures and flight restrictions, caused by the ash cloud, continue into the summer season.

In the latest update from the Irish Aviation Authority, Irish airports are to remain open until at least 7pm this evening, following on from some disruption yesterday.

Over the weekend Irish airports had to cope with more restrictions and yet more flight cancellations, as the ash cloud once again hung heavy over Irish airspace.

Tourism Ireland estimates that the chaos so far has cost the country €10m a day, as more than 17,000 tourists stayed away.

But that figure is expected to double as the peak season gets underway.

It is feared that the uncertainty about airport closures will keep tourists away, causing havoc in a sector that is already struggling.

The tourism industry is worth around €500m a year to the Irish economy.

Ms Hanafin will meet industry bosses later today and it is expected she will hear calls for financial support for companies that have been hit.