A total shutdown of bus, rail and air transport is likely to go ahead on Thursday, with no initiative in sight aimed at averting action.
The Department of Transport confirmed yesterday it is exploring the possibility of using Baldonnel Aerodrome to cater for some flights, probably those connected with EU business, in the event of the airports strike going ahead.
Tens of thousands of intending air, rail and bus passengers will have their travel plans on the day after the St Patrick's Day holiday disrupted if the strikes take place. SIPTU says the actions are in response to the "lack of meaningful progress" in separate talks with the Department of Transport on the futures of CIÉ and Aer Rianta.
No intervention in the airports dispute is expected in advance of tomorrow's court hearing, in which Ryanair plans to challenge SIPTU's right to hold its six-hour strike, due to begin at 7.30 a.m. A 24-hour stoppage is planned by SIPTU on bus and rail services.
Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports would be closed by the action, resulting in about 25,000 passengers being hit with flight cancellations or delays. Even more people will be affected if there are knock-on delays after the airports re-open at 1.30 p.m.
It is understood the Ryanair challenge is based on three main grounds.
The airline will argue that SIPTU no longer has a mandate for the action, as the strike ballot it held last September does not apply in current circumstances.
Ryanair will also contend that the dispute is a political one between SIPTU and the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan.
Ryanair has indicated it would use the Aer Corps aerodrome in Co Dublin only as a last resort and Aer Lingus stated that using Baldonnel was not something it had considered.
However, if Baldonnel is given the go-ahead to accept flights, it has the capacity to take the Airbus 319s which are used by the ministerial delegations from EU states including France, Spain and Italy.
Mr Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, said it would be viable to fly their aircraft into Baldonnel but they would do so only as a third alternative.
"The simplest solution is for Dublin Airport to remain open and use the Dublin Fire Brigade emergency services," he said.
Mr O'Leary said Dublin fire brigades were specialists and would be able to take over.
"Our position is that Aer Rianta should manage the fire services. Aer Rianta is stating that the airport will be open but the runways will be closed. That means flights will be cancelled and there will be delays when the action is over," he said.
Ryanair would a be seeking a High Court injunction tomorrow to prevent Dublin Airport closing, Mr O'Leary said.
