Up to 8000 people are expected to stage a rally in Limerick today to call on the Government to take ownership of the Shannon airport controversy.
The 'Save the Shannon Slots Rally' has been initiated by mayors from the mid-west who say the Government must live up to its obligation to protect Ireland's prosperity.
The Shannon Action Group, which represents over 25,000 trade unionists in the region, is calling on the public to support the rally which gets underway at 2pm in O'Connell Street in Limerick.
Vice-Chairperson Ger Morrissey has said that this weeks revelation that Noel Dempsey was not told about Aer Lingus' decision until six weeks after his department was informed, has agitated people further.