Entrepreneurs considering setting up businesses in the Border counties will be able to apply for subsidised loans from AIB's £32 million Peace and Reconciliation fund. The bank has invited applications for the loans which offer a four percentage point subsidy from the European Union for the first five years.

The funds are available for qualifying industrial and related services and tourism projects locating in the counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. The maximum loan will be £820,000.