The growth in Irish exports is likely to be hit by the slowdown in the world economy, according to the latest National Irish Bank FDI report.

BORD BIA has launched its Food and Drink Industry Awards 2011. The awards, in association with Rabobank, will recognise excellence in export development, branding, innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship and success on the domestic market.

ACC Bank, subsidiary of the giant Dutch Rabobank, says it is still battling the difficulties caused by the collapse of the Irish property market to which it had significant exposure.

ACC BANK claims to still have the full support of its Dutch parent company Rabobank, despite seeing its after-tax loss increase by more than €150 million to €394m last year.