A Belfast-based recruitment company has won the contract to select the new contract caterers for Dublin Corporation. Toner Consultancy & Recruitment specialises in recruiting companies and staff for the catering industry, and its clients include major hotels to hospital trusts.

The chairman of the company, Mr Harry Toner, said he had received a letter from Dublin Corporation asking if the company would be interested in tendering for the contract because they wanted to give a Northern Ireland company the chance to apply.

"We were delighted when our tender was successful," Mr Toner said. "It is our first breakthrough in the Republic, and we are hoping that it will result in more business for us in the South."