Updated 12.15

The Dublin Airport Authority says it has been granted leave by the High Court to seek an injunction against SIPTU, to make it withdraw notice of strike action at Dublin and Cork airport next Friday.

DAA says it had no choice but to take this step, after SIPTU failed to respond positively to two separate communications requiring the threat of industrial action to be lifted.

DAA is seeking an injunction on the basis that the proposed action by SIPTU is unlawful, as it is contrary to the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act.

The authority also says the planned work stoppages are contrary to existing agreements between the company and the trade union.

DAA says it intends to pursue all avenues at its disposal to avert the planned industrial action and to keep its airports fully operational.

Earlier the Transport Minister is rejecting Fianna Fáil claims he is dragging his heels in preventing an airports strike this day week.

The government's set up an expert panel to look at the issue after other talks failed and Leo Varadkar says that's all he can do:

Fianna Fail's Transport Spokesperson Timmy Dooley disagrees, and says the minister needs to get his act together:Leo Varadkar says if SIPTU goes ahead with the strike, it is just to prove a point. He is also adamant that contingencies are being put in place to minimise disruption for passengers.