The European Investment Bank is making €300m available for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland. AIB, Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland will act as financial intermediaries for the funds, which are designed for companies with projects which further EU policy objectives. The loan scheme is in addition to the €50m which was recently made available to Bank of Scotland Ireland to finance investment projects. Director of the Small Firms Association Patricia Callan says she is hopeful the money will be made available by early next month.