Businesses in Northern Ireland should take advantage of the Republic's National Development Plan, which involved the spending of £40 billion (€50.79 billion) over the next seven years, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce president, Mr Hugh Governey, said yesterday.

"There will be a substantial amount of money spent in the Republic over the next seven years and there are huge opportunities for businesses in Northern Ireland to get a slice of the action," he said, speaking at a Business Without Borders meeting in Belfast.

The Republic's plan includes a provision for the spending at least £1.85 billion on infrastructural projects, using public/ private partnerships. "At least a further £10 billion nationally is possible, and as the Government has said they will look favourably on any good projects that are brought to them, this is perhaps another area for possible involvement by Northern Irish businesses," said Mr Governey.