The border counties may receive additional funding following talks between the Minister for State Mr Tom Parlon and the EU Commissioner for Regional Affairs Mr Michel Barnier this afternoon.
The discussions centered on extra funding under the European Union Peace Programme to support cross border peace initiatives. The fund is due to run out at the end of this year.
Speaking after the meeting in Durrow Co Laois, Mr Parlon said the Commissioner was supportive of additional funding for the Programme.
It is now expected the issue will be raised with the European Union by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.
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Mr Barnier attending a meeting of ministers from the 15 European States and ten applicant nations in Portlaoise.