Unused Love Tipperary gift cards total €180k as council urges shoppers to spend locally

A sizeable share of Love Tipperary Gift Cards is lying untouched in households across the county.

Of the €250,000 purchased since the scheme began last year, less than €75,000 has made its way back into local tills, leaving some €180,000 idle in drawers and presses.

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The Tipperary Chamber and Tipperary County Council are mounting a renewed effort to encourage shoppers to choose the voucher as part of this year's shop local drive.

The cards can only be redeemed within the county, yet they are welcomed in more than 300 outlets, including major supermarket chains.

Kathleen Prendergast, Economic Development Officer at the local authority, said the team is pleased with the level of interest so far.

She added that they are aiming for a stronger push this year and stressed that spending the cards is vital if local firms are to feel the benefit.

Annual disposable income in Tipperary stands at roughly €1,000 above the national average, a factor the Council hopes will feed into stronger local spending.

The Council notes that choosing neighbourhood retailers helps reinforce the wider county economy and plays a part in keeping services and amenities in operation.

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