The airports are threatened with disruption this afternoon at the height of what has already been a difficult tourist season.

Unions have reacted angrily to the Transport Minister's plans to split Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports, ending Aer Rianta's role in the running of the airports.

Independent Airport Authorities are to be established for Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports, effectively ending Aer Rianta's role in the running of the country's airports.

THE Limerick Chamber of Commerce yesterday called on Transport Minister Seamus Brennan to give fully independent boards to the State’s three airports.

There are calls for a special marketing fund for Shannon and Cork Airports to promote tourism in the West of Ireland.