Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has said that the continued uncertainty caused by volcanic ash would have a negative effect on people planning to travel to Ireland and throughout Europe.
“There’s no doubt about any kind of uncertainty, particularly in the tourist industry, is very, very bad. Unfortunately an act of nature means that uncertainty will continue into that future,” he said.
Speaking at the Fianna Fáil regional conference in Meath, Mr Dempsey said that one of the difficulties was that predictions about the effect on flights could only be made 24 hours in advance.
“The other side - these things have to be balanced – [is that] more Irish people may decide that they will stay at home and have holidays at home,” he said. “There are swings and roundabouts in this.”