Pictured at the official launch of Cork County Council’s Think Cork County campaign is Cllr. Christopher O’Sullivan, Mayor of the County of Cork with labrador “Henry”.
As the annual festive shopping dash approaches, Cork shoppers are urged to look a little closer to home this year and support the many local businesses on their doorstep. This is the message of Cork County Council’s ‘Think Cork County’ awareness campaign, launched on Friday last (22nd November) by Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Christopher O’Sullivan and Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey.
2019 marks the fourth year of the initiative, which endeavors to keep the spirit of Christmas and community alive by encouraging a culture of ‘support local’ and promoting the continued prosperity of Cork’s many towns and villages.
With a wealth of home-grown talent located all across the county, from designers and artists to food producers and tradespeople, shopping locally has never been more accessible and appealing. By investing within their hometown and utilising local suppliers, Cork consumers will not only be supporting their local economy, but they will also benefit from receiving high-quality products and services in return.
In order to further improve the local shopping experience over the festive season, Cork County Council are offering FREE and reduced parking rates at several Council-owned car parks across the county for the month of December in areas such as Bandon, Cobh, Fermoy, Kinsale, Macroom, Mallow and Youghal.
Speaking at the official campaign launch, Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Christopher O’Sullivan commented: “Cork’s towns and villages have a diverse range of small indigenous businesses, offering unique, high-quality locally sourced gift ideas for the festive season. Purchasing locally and sustainably will always be a better option and will safeguard our communities into the future. Every purchase makes a difference to the local economy, so I urge Cork shoppers to soak up the festive atmosphere in their locality and look a little closer to home when picking up those festive treats this year.”
Echoing this statement, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added: “By promoting and supporting our local shops and suppliers, we are actively contributing to the growth and development of local communities. Cork County Council is proud to champion the talented entrepreneurs and business-owners across Cork County. By shopping local, the people of Cork are not only joining us in support of these companies and individuals, but they can be certain that their hard-earned money is being invested right back into their hometown.”
From buying those last-minute extras for the Christmas dinner table to picking up your Secret Santa present, the message is simple; when it comes to Christmas 2019, think your county, your town.
To view full listings of where free parking and reduced parking rates are available, visit www.corkcoco.ie. Follow @CorkCoCo on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
Photography By: Brian Lougheed
