Carlow people urged to invest in their local community and 'shop local'

Carlow Chamber of Commerce has launched a campaign reminding people to shop local this Christmas along with a number of initiatives to help boost the local economy over the festive period.

Consumers and businesses in County Carlow are being encouraged to shop local this Christmas and are reminded of the huge range of goods and services they can access on their own doorsteps as part of the #shoplocalshopcarlow campaign.

Colin Duggan, President of County Carlow Chamber, said: “Whether online or in person, the choices that you make for your Christmas shopping this year will have a real impact on your local community. Shopping local keeps small businesses trading and local people employed. Local businesses employ your friend, your neighbour, your cousins, your brothers, sisters, parents and wider community. It’s so important to choose local, especially this year”. 

Speaking about the benefits of buying local, Colin Rea of Bagenalstown Area Chamber of Commerce said: “If you buy products and services from local businesses or eat in a local cafe, your money is pumped back into the local economy. How is this possible?  Every time you buy something from a shop or service in county Carlow you help the shopkeeper pay their bills and keep their business running. The more regularly you shop, the more likely it is to stay in business and to grow”. 

“When a business thrives, it can create jobs for your friends, neighbours and members of your family. These new jobs provide more money to spend in the local economy. When more money is spent locally, more jobs are created, and that means there’s more money to support local fundraising drives for local charities, sporting events/clubs and festivals. So not only do local businesses benefit, but our communities can continue to be vibrant places where we want to live, work and bring up our kids”. 

Over the coming weeks a series of #shopcarlowshoplocal activities will take place, supported by Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office under the County Carlow – A Festive Family Experience and Lightfest 2022 initiatives.

Séamus Doran, Assistant Head of Economic Development & Enterprise said: “We are delighted to be supporting the business community this year with the message that people should #shoplocalshopcarlow. As part of #shopcarlowshoplocal KCLR will be visiting the communities in Bagenalstown, Tullow & Carlow over the coming weeks to help showcase some of the local offerings in our county’s Towns & Villages”.  

Speaking about the Lightfest 2022 activities in December, Séamus added: “After seeing nearly 3,000 people in Carlow Town brave the elements on Saturday for the turning on of the lights, concert and fireworks, this weekend we have Lightfest Events kicking off in partnership with the local communities in Tullow & Rathvilly with local talent, stands and fireworks in each location. On 11th December 2022 the Fireworks hit Bagenalstown for the final kick off event with fireworks and fun for the all the Family”.

Séamus concluded by saying “I’d encourage people to follow #Carlowchristmas on Facebook, Twitter or go to www.localenteprise.ie/carlow for further information.”