Over 210 retailers are to receive €9.3m in grants through the latest round of a Government scheme designed to help businesses boost their online presence.

The Online Retail Scheme is administered by Enterprise Ireland and is open to retailers who already have a website and a physical store.

The grants can be used by businesses to enhance their online capabilities in order to exploit opportunities and attract new customers.

Since 2018, more than 700 projects from retailers based in Ireland have been approved for €28.3m in funding through the scheme.

Successful applicants receive a grant ranging from €10,000 to a maximum of €64,000.

Recipients from the latest round are based across all counties in Ireland and are from a number of sectors, including hardware, pharmacy, clothing and furniture.

Niamh McMahon, owner of Flowerhill Furniture in Navan, Co Meath, is among the successful 216 recipients.

"By improving our online retail offering, not only will it enable us to strengthen our resilience and enhance the experience for our existing valued customers, but it will also support us to widen our customer base and reach new markets," Ms McMahon said.

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Damien English said developing an online presence is an important part of future-proofing a business.

"Through the Online Retail Scheme, we are enabling established retailers with a physical store the chance to compete for online sales that are currently going to businesses based outside the country," Mr English said.