Well if he can export it as well, or at least show export potential, then he could be in luck.
If it's a small business try the county enterprise board for feasibility study grants etc. If it's larger try one of the Enterprise Ireland offshoots (genesis enterprise program, hothouse etc...)
Be warned though
1. The process can be very laborious and involve a lot of form filling and beaurocracy. There is an art to filling in these forms, and certain people are better at playing the game.
2. You could end up 'grant junkies'.
Consider if it would be easier to go it alone.