The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is to travel to Brussels next week for several Brexit-related meetings.

He will meet with the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, to discuss preparations for a no-deal Brexit.

Work on this is intensifying at both European Commission level and across EU member states.

Mr Varadkar will also outline the work underway in Ireland and the supports that may be needed, given the potential impact of a hard Brexit here.

On Wednesday he will also meet with European Council President Donald Tusk. They are expected to discuss the latest developments in London.

Protests opposite the Houses of Parliament in London | Image: Claire Doherty/SIPA USA/PA Images

The British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has warned that the process may need to be extended - even if a deal is agreed in late March.

Mr Hunt was speaking after the House of Commons passed an amendment on Tuesday, calling for the border backstop to be replaced with "alternative arrangements."

The EU has already warned that the withdrawal agreement - including the backstop - is not open for re-negotiation.

On Thursday, following a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Bucharest, the Tánaiste Simon Coveney said solidarity with Ireland on Brexit 'remains strong'.

Britain is set to leave the bloc on March 29th.

The Government has said the Taoiseach will use the Brussels trip to once again thank the institutions, and the other EU member states, for their continuing support for Ireland.