Mr. Rory O'Connor:

Basically, if the airfield is closed, it is what we call an uncontrolled airfield. We have a restricted airspace piece centred on Baldonnel that is tied in with Garda air support operations. That is published by the Irish Aviation Authority. Everyone who flies is aware of that restricted airspace.

There are restricted airspaces at various locations around Ireland. Aircraft are only allowed in there for certain purposes and they are sometimes not allowed to go in at all. Otherwise, if the airfield is closed, whether for bad weather or any other reason, it is free airspace, to use that phrase loosely. If one airfield is closed for a particular reason, the chances are other airfields in that area will be affected as well.