Department of Foreign Affairs encourages Irish to leave areas of Japan

The Department of Foreign Affairs says it would encourage Irish citizens in Japan to consider leaving the North east of the country and the Toyko region.

Its also renewed its advise to all Irish citizens to avoid non essential travel to Japan including Tokyo.

The Department said that a number of citizens have opted to remain in the Tokyo region.

Those who choose to leave the designated areas are advised to do so by commercial air transport.

The Irish Embassy is assisting Irish citizens in obtaining reservations and anybody experiencing difficulty leaving designated areas is advised to contact the Embassy.

"As the Department has received no indication that any Irish citizen has been unable to secure a commercial flight or train reservation out of affected areas, it has not been necessary to provide our own national charter options at this stage," said a statement from the Department.

"We will continue to monitor the situation very closely and to make all necessary contingency plans in cooperation with our EU partners."