Dublin shoppers to spend €3.7bn over Xmas

Shoppers in Dublin are expected to spend €3.7bn this Christmas, according to the city's Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber president David Pierce said today retailers in the capital expected increased business this year because the LUAS tram system was attracting shoppers into the city centre.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce said it was anticipating a 5% increase in the value of retail sales this Christmas compared to 2003.

"As Christmas gets closer spending becomes greater and on Christmas Eve the hourly spend will be in excess €20m an hour," said Pat Delaney of the Small Firms' Association.

He called for consumers to buy Irish where possible during their seasonal spend.