THE Irish government has announced a funding package worth €28 million for the border region to help businesses mitigate against the potential impact of Brexit.
It covers counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth, and is aimed at driving economic activity as the UK leaves the European Union.
Business minister Heather Humphreys said: "All of the research shows that the border region is most exposed to the impact of Brexit.
"I want to ensure that businesses in the region are supported by government in responding to the challenges and uncertainties which lie ahead."
The stimulus package includes:
:: A €15m Border Enterprise Development Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland
:: An €8.5m Brexit Transformation Fund to help firms diversify
:: €3m for the six Local Enterprise Offices in the border counties for capability development programmes for micro and small firms
:: €1.5m for Industry Fellowships administered by Science Foundation Ireland
Grants of €15,000 or 50 per cent of eligible costs, whichever is less, will also be available to help assess the viability of potential projects and prepare submissions for the Border Enterprise Development Fund.
Three new Advanced Technology Buildings will be built in Dundalk, Monaghan and Sligo in 2020 as part of efforts to attract more foreign direct investment.
Ms Humphreys also announced that a series of workshops with representatives from her department's enterprise agencies will take place in the border counties in the coming weeks to raise awareness of the funding package.
"This is a golden opportunity for businesses in the border region and I want to ensure that they get the maximum benefit out of this funding," she added.
