Chief Executive of daa Kenny Jacobs has begun legal proceedings against his employer aimed at allowing him to return to work.
It follows months of wrangling between Mr Jacobs and the board of directors at daa, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports.
Last month, staff were told that he was taking "some time out of the business" while Mr Jacobs said the matter of his reported suspension was "with his lawyers".
Senior Counsel Padraic Lyons, for Mr Jacobs, told the High Court this afternoon that his client should be allowed to return to work as chief executive - a job that he had successfully carried out for three years - rather than "languishing at home, ruminating on his position".
Mr Lyons said that his client was looking for an injunction to prevent daa from taking any further steps with regard to an investigation into Mr Jacobs without first appointing an independent and impartial decision-maker to consider the outcome of the proposed investigation and to make binding recommendations.
He is also seeking a declaration that he has a reasonable apprehension that the board has prejudged his removal from the office of chief executive.
Mr Jacobs cannot expect a fair hearing through the investigation, Mr Lyons said.
His client is also seeking an injunction against his suspension, that it was unlawful and in breach of his contract of employment.
Mr Jacobs is also looking for an order restraining daa from interfering with his access to the company and use of email and other technological information.
Judge Emily Farrell granted permission to serve notice of the proceedings on daa.
The case returns to court on Monday.
Mr Jacobs, in response to a query from RTÉ News, said that he could not comment on what is now a legal matter.
