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There is good news for motorists in the run up to Christmas, with the news that the County Council have decided to provide free parking in all the Pay and Display towns across the North County. This will apply for the three Saturdays in December in the run up to Christmas. The towns in question are Balbriggan, Malahide, Rush, Skerries and Swords and the Saturdays for free parking are, 5th, 12th and 19th December. At a recent Local Area Meeting of the County Council, Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) asked about the possibility of the Council car park at the junction of North Street and Seatown Road in Swords, being made available for car parking. The reply was that the use of the Council carpark is currently being investigated with a view to providing car parking for the last three weekends before Christmas.
24th November 2015 • Volume 22, Issue 41 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. EirCode: K67 P5W4. • Tel: 01 8•400•200 • info@northcountyleader.ie • www.northcountyleader.ie
Keep It Local This Christmas It’s Christmas time once again, and here in Fingal, local businesses are gearing up to prepare for what they hope will be their busiest time of year. This last quarter of the year is a crucial time for our local businesses and retailers, who have come to need a real boost in trade over the coming weeks, so it is vital that customers around the locality give them all the support they can. There is no better way to start your Christmas shopping than in your home town, where there are many fantastic local stores, restaurants and hotels which have been situated here for many years. This is also where you can negotiate a bargain, and should you need to exchange a purchase, or if you run into any issues, you will be received by a friendly shopkeeper, who will be only too willing to make sure that your every need is swiftly met. The County Leader got in touch with a number of local businesses and retailers, all of whom emphasised the real importance of shopping local at this festive time of year. They were all unanimous in saying how local shopping would be of great benefit to both business and customer alike. Richie McNamara, owner of Richie’s Bikes Store in Swords said, “I
By Patrick Finnegan think it’s this that really keeps the smaller businesses alive. We depend on our local customers, so we would try and ensure that we always offer them that little bit extra so that they get the best of both - a great price and that extra service.” Niall Savage of JCs Supermarket in Swords said, “We think it is very important to shop local this Christmas, as it goes a long way to protecting our 150 jobs here at JCs. It also protects our suppliers who provide us with much of our products at this time of the year. Local producers are a very important part of our business and we feel that by us purchasing locally, it helps families in the North County,” he said. Tunde Adejumo of McCartan’s Pharmacy in Balbriggan says; “ It’s always important to
shop locally. It keeps the money going into local shops and means that people can help create local jobs too. That is very important especially at Christmas time. It is also more convenient, as we have everything you might need here in Balbriggan, so you don’t need to go into Dublin city spending money on transport into the city, meaning you have more money to spend on your Christmas shopping.” Adrian Kavanagh, Manager of Gerry’s Supermarket in Skerries said, “We employ 71 people here, all from the local area. We buy all our products from local suppliers, so buying local help helps everyone in the locality. There are excellent shops here in Skerries, where you can find all you need without having to travel anywhere else. Shopping local secures jobs and provides value for money,” he said. Noel Heeney of McFadden’s in Balbriggan also said they placed great emphasis on creating that unique personal experience for their customers. “It’s so
Santa Arrives In The North County
Santa arrives at Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan. See picture special on page 10
Seeking your support in the upcoming General Election
Santa meets Sanobar, Sabina and Melissa Beirth at Swords Pavilions. See picture special on page 8
important that we keep the climate of local business alive,” he said. “We try and go the extra mile at this time of year, and for example, we’ll take deposits. It is the little things like that that make a difference to people.” Fingal can boast three fine shopping centres, namely the Pavilions in Swords, Millfield in
Balbriggan and Blanchardstown Centre, where you will find everything you need for the festive season, with a wonderful range of fine products at great prices. It’s all here for you right on your doorstep. Tony Lambert, CEO, Fingal Dublin Chamber said, ”Fingal Dublin Chamber fully supports shopping locally and
asks everyone to think local before they spend, and to consider the benefits of the many jobs which are provided in local shops throughout the region. The local economy is very important to the future of the area and shopping locally will guarantee local jobs and support local services throughout all the towns of Fingal.”
Cllr.
TONY
MURPHY