The Irish government held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss more actions to prepare for Brexit, including in particular on priority concerns for the country.

Following British Prime Minister Theresa May's weekend announcement that she intends to trigger Article 50 by March 2017, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny and his cabinet ministers discussed preparations for the negotiations that will then take place, the government said.

Kenny reaffirmed that the priorities of the government were the economy and trade, the peace process and Northern Ireland, the Common Travel Area and the future of the European Union itself.

After a detailed review of action to date, the cabinet agreed to intensify preparations over the coming weeks, including in particular through closer political and official engagement, including with Northern Ireland, the British government, and the EU member states and institutions, and by broadening dialogue with civic society.

The government said Budget 2017 will include measures which will support the overall economic response to Brexit.

The government added it would continue engagement with other EU leaders and governments and the EU institutions, including high-level government meetings with Michel Barnier, the newly appointed European Commission's chief Brexit negotiator, who is expected to visit Dublin shortly.

In the meeting, the government approved a range of further actions to ensure that Ireland is fully prepared for the difficult negotiations ahead.

"Now that we have clarity from Prime Minister May regarding the timetable, we will intensify our engagement and preparation for the negotiations," Kenny said.

"Ireland faces unique challenges from Brexit, not least given the all-island issues that arise," he said.

Kenny said he would continue to engage with Northern Ireland party leaders on the range of issues involved.

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