It's at times like that when everyone wishes that they hadn't got rid of the PAR.
The exact reasons for having the system off air may not be as simple as it first seems.
Having replaced the equipment and checked it from the ground, it is a requirement to complete flight testing using calibrator aircraft. I don't know who the IAA have contracted to do the calibraton but it is probably the former CAA unit located at Teesside.
Making a booking will of course be subject to the calibrator having an available slot. It also makes sense to have the Cork calibration done at a time when the aircraft is already in Ireland doing another job.
There is also the weather factor and decent weather is required for the calibration work.
Having installed the system and had it calibrated, there are limits to the movement of ground vehicles and to the positioning of objects on the ground (which could be associated with on-going work) which can have an effect on the radiated signals.
Thus when making a judgement call on such a project, lots of factors must be considered which in the end may not actually cause a delay and if that si the case, the IAA can say they put the system on line ahead of schedule.
As for something to do when the weather is too low and the ILS is not available - noting other than divert is the answer but remembering that if the system was not replaced, there could be plenty of unexpected diversions due to ground equipment failure during the following winters.
Regards,
DFC