Here is a list of schools that have announced closures for the day:

• Sligo Area:
  • Summerhill College
  • St. Celica’s Special School
  • St. Joseph’s Special School, Ballytivnan
  • Scoil Ursula, Strandhill Road
  • Ballinode College
  • Rockfield National School
  • Rathcormac National School
  • St. John’s NS, Temple Street
  • Carraroe NS
• Donegal Area:
  • Scoil Aodh Rua agus Nuala, Donegal Town
  • Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town
  • St. Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs
  • Choláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon
  • Creevy National School
  • Holy Family NS, Ballyshannon
• Leitrim Area:
  • Lough Allen College, Drumkeeran
  • St. Clare’s Comprehensive, Manorhamilton
  • Drumshanbo Vocational School
  • Masterson NS, Manorhamilton
  • Drumlease NS
• Sligo and Surrounding Areas:
  • High Park NS, Dromard
  • Scoil Chriost Ri NS, Enniscrone
  • Ballinlig NS, Beltra
  • St. Joseph’s NS, Killenummery
  • Keash NS
  • St. Patrick’s NS, Maugherow
  • Carbury NS

Some schools have announced delayed openings:

• St. Mary’s College, Ballisodare, will open at 11:15 AM for those who can safely travel.

Transport services are also affected:

• Finnegan Buses: Services from Collooney to Sligo have been canceled this morning to ensure passenger safety.
• Sheerins Buses: All routes serving schools in Sligo, Donegal, and Kinlough are suspended this morning. Afternoon services are being planned, depending on weather conditions.

Parents and guardians are advised to monitor local updates for further information. Authorities emphasize prioritizing safety for all during these challenging weather conditions.

Leading airlines including Aer Lingus, Ryanair, and several American airlines challenged the IAA’s restrictive measure. They argued that the cap on seats would significantly impact their operations, particularly affecting their ability to retain crucial take-off and landing slots under the “use them or lose them” rule.

The seat limitation was established by the IAA with the aim of keeping the airport’s annual throughput under the maximum of 32 million passengers. This cap was a part of the 2007 planning permission agreement for the construction of Terminal Two.

This issue came to the forefront when Ryanair disclosed that Leinster Rugby would have to relocate departures for some of its away matches to Belfast due to the restrictions at Dublin Airport. The Dublin-based rugby team plans to use Belfast International Airport for four upcoming games unless the cap issue is resolved soon.

Moreover, a separate legal action concerning the IAA’s decision to also cap the winter passenger seats at 14.4 million is set to be reviewed in court this December. This action is jointly pursued by Aer Lingus, Ryanair, and the airport operator, DAA.

In his judgment, Mr. Justice O’Donnell highlighted that the adverse effects of not pausing the seat cap would extend far beyond the airlines. He emphasized that failing to grant a stay could lead to serious disruptions for the public and potentially damaging consequences for the wider economy.

Alternative Travel Arrangements

To accommodate passengers affected by the disruption, a bus transfer service will be operational. These buses will cover the entire route typically serviced by the trains, ensuring that passengers can reach their destinations without significant delays.

Limited Impact on Broader Network

The train services from Mullingar to Dublin will remain operational, suggesting that the impact of the works is localized to the Sligo-Mullingar segment. The specific train services affected include the 16:00 departure from Connolly to Sligo and the 16:55 journey from Sligo to Connolly, which are the only cancellations reported.

Statement from Iarnród Éireann

Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager at Iarnród Éireann, emphasized the necessity of the works. “We aim to minimize disruption as we undertake major works essential for maintaining and enhancing rail service reliability and safety,” he stated. The organization appreciates passengers’ understanding during these essential upgrades.

Volcanic Activity Grounds Flights

The eruption, which began late Sunday, led to an ash cloud blanketing the eastern part of Sicily. This forced the airport, one of the island’s busiest, to shut down temporarily. The initial closure was expected to last until 8 PM on Monday but was extended until early Tuesday morning as volcanic activity continued to pose a threat to air travel safety​​.

Mount Etna’s volatile behaviour has resulted in numerous interruptions over the years. The recent eruption is a stark reminder of the ongoing geological activity in the region, with authorities raising the alert level from F0 to F1​​.

Widespread Travel Disruptions

Catania airport handles around 200 flights daily, both domestic and international. The sudden closure left many passengers stranded, with airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and KLM scrambling to manage the situation. Several flights were diverted to other Sicilian airports, including Palermo and Trapani, although these alternatives are several hours’ drive away​.

Safety Measures and Public Response

Authorities advised passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport. The eruption not only impacted air travel but also left streets in Catania covered in ash, complicating local transportation and clean-up efforts​.

Is It Safe to Travel to Sicily During a Mount Etna Eruption?

Despite the frequent activity of Mount Etna, Sicily remains a popular tourist destination. Experts recommend staying informed about volcanic activity and adhering to safety advisories. While the current eruption has caused significant travel disruptions, flights are gradually resuming as conditions improve.

Aer Lingus has announced the cancellation of numerous flights due to the ongoing industrial action by its pilots. This disruption affects both departing and arriving flights at various airports in Ireland, causing significant inconvenience for passengers. Customers with cancelled flights up to and including July 10 have three options: changing their flight online with waived change fees, requesting a refund voucher for future travel, or applying for a full refund of their flight.

Cancelled Flights from Ireland:

Wednesday, July 3:

• Cork (ORK) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0724, 8.30pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Amsterdam (AMS), EI0602, 6.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Berlin (BER), EI0332, 6.40pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Birmingham (BHX), EI0276, 7.20pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Brussels (BRU), EI0638, 5.55pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Dusseldorf (DUS), EI0698, 5.30pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Frankfurt (FRA), EI0656, 4.45pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0162, 11.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0182, 7pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Manchester (MAN), EI0208, 12.50pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Munich (MUC), EI0352, 7.10am.
• Dublin (DUB) to New York (JFK), EI0105, 11.05am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Paris (CDG), EI0526, 1pm.

Thursday, July 4:

• Cork (ORK) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0724, 8.30pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Berlin (BER), EI0332, 6.40am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Birmingham (BHX), EI0276, 7.20pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Brussels (BRU), EI0638, 5.55pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Geneva (GVA), EI0680, 6.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0162, 11.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0182, 7pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Manchester (MAN), EI0208, 12.50pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to New York (JFK), EI0105, 11.05am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Paris (CDG), EI0528, 6.20pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Vienna (VIE), EI0660, 6.10am.

Friday, July 5:

• Cork (ORK) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0724, 8.30pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Amsterdam (AMS), EI0602, 6.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Berlin (BER), EI0332, 6.40am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Birmingham (BHX), EI0276, 7.20pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Brussels (BRU), EI0638, 5.55pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Dusseldorf (DUS), EI0698, 5.30pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Frankfurt (FRA), EI0656, 4.45pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0162, 11.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0182, 7pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Manchester (MAN), EI0208, 12.50pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Munich (MUC), EI0352, 7.10am.
• Dublin (DUB) to New York (JFK), EI0105, 11.05am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Paris (CDG), EI0526, 1pm.

Cancelled Flights to Ireland:

Wednesday, July 3:

• Birmingham (BHX) to Dublin (DUB), EI0277, 8.50pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Cork (ORK), EI0725, 10.25pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Dublin (DUB), EI0163, 1.25pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Dublin (DUB), EI0183, 9.10pm.
• Manchester (MAN) to Dublin (DUB), EI0209, 2.25pm.
• Amsterdam (AMS) to Dublin (DUB), EI0603, 9.35am.
• Berlin (BER) to Dublin (DUB), EI0333, 10.40am.
• Brussels (BRU) to Dublin (DUB), EI0639, 9.20pm.
• Dusseldorf (DUS) to Dublin (DUB), EI0699, 9.05pm.
• Frankfurt (FRA) to Dublin (DUB), EI0657, 8.40pm.
• Munich (MUC) to Dublin (DUB), EI0353, 11.25am.
• Paris (CDG) to Dublin (DUB), EI0527, 4.30pm.
• New York (JFK) to Dublin (DUB), EI0104, 4.55pm.

Thursday, July 4:

• Birmingham (BHX) to Dublin (DUB), EI0277, 8.50pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Cork (ORK), EI0725, 10.25pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Dublin (DUB), EI0163, 1.25pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Dublin (DUB), EI0183, 9.10pm.
• Manchester (MAN) to Dublin (DUB), EI0209, 2.25pm.
• Berlin (BER) to Dublin (DUB), EI0333, 10.40am.
• Brussels (BRU) to Dublin (DUB), EI0639, 9.25pm.
• Geneva (GVA) to Dublin (DUB), EI0681, 10.15am.
• Paris (CDG) to Dublin (DUB), EI0529, 9.50pm.
• Vienna (VIE) to Dublin (DUB), EI0661, 10.40am.
• New York (JFK) to Dublin (DUB), EI0104, 4.55pm.

The full list of cancellations continues for the subsequent days up to July 10, covering multiple European and North American routes.

Cancellations are expected to affect around 8,000 passengers daily from next Wednesday to Sunday, with between 22 and 40 flights per day impacted.

Aer Lingus has confirmed that a significant number of its flights will be cancelled next week, disrupting tens of thousands of customers. The cancellations are due to an ongoing pay dispute between the airline and its pilots.

Why Are Aer Lingus Flights Being Cancelled?

The core issue is a pay dispute. Aer Lingus pilots are demanding a 23.8% pay increase over three years to match the salaries of British Airways pilots, also part of the International Airlines Group (IAG). The pilots have rejected a Labour Court recommendation for a 9.25% pay increase.

When Will the Flight Cancellations Happen?

Due to the pilots’ work-to-rule action, Aer Lingus will cancel between 10% and 20% of its flights from Wednesday, June 26, to Sunday, June 30. This industrial action means pilots will not work overtime or out-of-hours duties, severely affecting the flight schedule.

How Many Passengers Will Be Affected?

During the busy summer months, Aer Lingus carries over 40,000 passengers daily. As a result, up to 8,000 passengers will be affected each day from Wednesday to Sunday, with 22 to 40 flights cancelled per day.

How Will I Know If My Flight Is Cancelled?

Aer Lingus will contact affected customers directly over the next few days. Passengers will receive updates and instructions via email or phone.

What Are My Alternative Options?

Aer Lingus is offering several options for affected passengers. Those scheduled to travel between June 26 and July 2 can change their flights for free. Alternatively, passengers can cancel their flights and claim a refund or a voucher. These options will be communicated directly to customers and travel agents. Passengers who booked through third parties should contact their sales agents for updates.

What Has Aer Lingus Said About the Dispute?

Aer Lingus has criticized the industrial action, calling it “wholly unnecessary” and aimed at causing maximum disruption during the peak summer season. The airline assures that its focus is on minimizing the impact on customers and communicating directly with those affected. They plan to rebook customers quickly, working with partner airlines and hiring additional aircraft if necessary.

What Is IALPA’s Stance?

IALPA, represented by Fórsa, argues that Aer Lingus management has failed to provide a meaningful pay offer considering inflation and the sacrifices made by pilots during the pandemic. IALPA President Mark Tighe stated that the pay claim for 24% is justified by inflation and Aer Lingus’s significant profit increase last year.

What Are My Rights If My Flight Is Cancelled?

Under European Union regulations, airline passengers have certain rights when flights are delayed or cancelled due to strikes. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible for enforcing these rights. Passengers can find more information on their rights and potential compensation in our recent explainer.

Will There Be Further Cancellations?

It is unclear if more cancellations will follow. The dispute between Aer Lingus and IALPA remains unresolved. The Government has offered to mediate, urging both parties to utilize the State’s industrial relations services.

Stay updated on the Aer Lingus ‘Travel Advisory’ page on their website for the latest information.

Met Eireann has released a weekend weather update confirming that Ireland will be lashed by heavy rain, thunderstorms, mist, and fog. These conditions are expected to cause significant travel disruptions.

Ryanair has alerted its passengers to “potential disruptions” starting today, as adverse weather conditions are forecasted to affect flights. The airline has apologized for any inconvenience, emphasizing that these delays are “outside of Ryanair’s control.”

A statement on the Ryanair website reads: “Potential disruptions to/from Ireland (Thur 13 Jun) due to high winds and low visibility. Affected passengers will be notified, and any passengers traveling to/from Ireland on Thur 13 Jun should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight. We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by these weather conditions, which are outside of Ryanair’s control and affect all airlines operating to/from Ireland on Thur 13 Jun.”

Met Eireann has also issued a status yellow rain warning for Cork and Kerry, effective from 3am on Thursday night until 9am on Friday morning. The warning highlights the risk of spot flooding, difficult travel conditions, and poor visibility in these areas.

Weather expert Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather took to X (formerly Twitter) to emphasize the seriousness of the weather warning: “A few isolated showers will follow the rain, though the showers will start to become a little more frequent in western parts later in the day. A breezy day with moderate to fresh and occasionally gusty south to southeast winds.”

Temperature Forecast:

• Daytime: 13°C to 18°C on Thursday
• Nighttime: Dropping to 10°C to 6°C

Scattered and possibly heavy showers are expected to continue throughout Thursday night. Friday will begin with some sunny spells, but rain will become widespread and heavy as the day progresses. The midlands, east, and southeast regions are likely to experience isolated thunderstorms coupled with hail.

By late afternoon, a band of persistent rain will move across the country, with highest temperatures ranging from 13°C to 17°C. Coastal areas will also experience quite windy conditions.

Friday night will see a mix of dry spells and heavy showers, continuing the trend of unpredictable and severe weather.