Members of the Impact union said they are to stage a walkout in protest against the decision by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to suspend 15 air traffic controllers who refused to co-operate with new technology.

The strike action will take place tomorrow between 2pm and 6pm at Dublin and Shannon airports, and between 4pm and 6pm at Cork airport. All three airports will shut down during these periods. The strikes are also expected to affect flights passing through Irish airspace.

Liam Kavanagh, director of human resources at the IAA, said the changes to technology are essential for the aviation industry and called on the union to suspend action.

“The airports will be closed for that period; it is not possible to put in contingency arrangements,” a spokeswoman added.

Impact said today that the improved systems would mean extra work for their members, who refuse to operate them unless bosses honour a 2007 agreement for a six percent pay rise. They are also in dispute with the IAA over pension contributions.

A spokesman for Ryanair has said that there is no justification for the strikes and called on the Irish Government to step in to ensure Ireland’s airports remain open.

Passengers should contact their airlines to find out the latest delays and cancellations.