Continental Airlines recently threatened to switch their New York-Belfast service to Dublin: the improved cross-border motorway meant passengers could head south and avoid UK airport duty.

BBC: Regional airports urge Osborne to cut passenger duty

European money was crucial to improving Ireland's motorways, dramatically reducing the drive-time between Belfast and Dublin.

BBC: Northern Ireland

Three outlets in Belfast are closing - Yorkgate, Connswater and Dublin Road - as well as others in Coleraine and Dungannon.

BBC: Jobs lost as pizza outlets shut

Observers will be watching to see if Tuesday's talks in Downing Street lead to further talks - possibility involving Bertie Ahern travelling to Belfast or Dublin.

BBC: Blair still in NI talks hot-seat

Twenty-five jobs are going at the Dublin Road, Belfast and in Coleraine, 24 are going at Connswater whilst 28 are going at both the Dungannon and Yorkgate outlets.

BBC: Jobs lost as pizza outlets shut

Another part of the Agreement will be implemented on Friday when the British Irish Council and British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference are established linking the administrations in London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

BBC: Historic day for north-south council