Dundalk retailers launch scheme to keep shoppers

Traders in Dundalk, Co Louth, are launching a new gift card scheme to try to stem the flow of shoppers into the North.

The North East town is among the locations worst hit since the Government increased VAT in the Republic of Ireland to 21.5% - while the rate in the North has fallen to 15%.

Up to 250,000 households in Ireland regularly do their grocery shopping north of the border - a 25% increase on last year - while off-licence sales in the North are up by 30%.

Dundalk Town Centre Commerical Manager Andrew Mawhinney, said the new initiative will begin next week to encourage shoppers to stay in the town.