Mullingar Chamber Digital Voucher 'will be game-changer'
The Mullingar Chamber Digital Voucher “will be a game-changer – a significant step forward in sustainability and supporting our circular economy” Minister Peter Burke said when he opened the launch event.
Since its inception in 2012, more than €2.5 million in Mullingar Gift Vouchers have been sold, and €500,000 of that was in 2024. “With the transition to a digital format, we are further simplifying the process of supporting local businesses, while enhancing the shopping experience,” added James Bourke, president, Mullingar Chamber.
In his remarks, Minister Burke said the sales figures are “proof of how much people believe in supporting Mullingar businesses, and with the ambition to reach €1 million in sales per year by 2027, the future is looking bright”.
Some 70 businesses have signed up for the digital voucher, and the figure is steadily closing on the 115 that participated in the original.
Minister Burke said: “This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and commitment of so many people. A huge thank you to Westmeath County Council for funding the initiative, particularly chief executive Barry Kehoe, directors of services Deirdre Reilly and Jean Ryan, Cllr Emily Wallace, and Irene Lynch from the Local Enterprise Office – their support has been invaluable. I also want to acknowledge the team at Mullingar Chamber. President James Bourke has been a key driving force, along with Lauren Gregory (office administrator), who has been instrumental in making this happen, and John Geoghegan. Board members Orla Duncan and Suzanne McEvoy have also put in Trojan work to bring this project to life.
“Finally, a massive thank you to the people of Mullingar and our local businesses. This scheme thrives because you choose to support your town. By purchasing and using these gift cards, you’re keeping money in the local economy, supporting jobs, and strengthening our community.
“So, whether it’s for a birthday, a staff bonus, or just to treat yourself – choose the Mullingar Gift Card and shop local.”
James Burke, in turn, thanked the minister, and also Colin Munro and Mark Cunningham from Miconex for their contributions during the Q&A session at the launch.
He said the shop local theory holds that every euro spent locally is worth €4 to the local economy, so the €2.5 million has benefited Mullingar to the tune of €10 million.
“Within our paper voucher scheme, there were some issues for retailers but I am delighted that our new Mullingar Gift Card addresses those. My personal highlight of this new card is that it is commission-free to all members of Mullingar Chamber.
“We currently find ourselves in a business environment that is extremely challenging, so I hope our scheme being commission free is one less burden on local businesses.
“To the consumer, there are major new benefits, such as the check your balance feature, and our grab and load envelopes.
“Another major development is that we now offer a digital or physical card, which is has the #LoveMullingar branding and the iconic Mullingar skyline.
“I’d like to thank Westmeath County Council for their continued support of this scheme and also Minister Peter Burke for giving up his time to attend our launch. He concluded: “We invite all businesses to join our gift card scheme.”
For more information, contact Lauren at office@mullingarchamber.ie or self-register your business online here.