LIMERICK people are being encouraged to think Limerick, shop local and stay safe this Christmas as businesses prepare for what is traditionally their busiest periods of the year.
Limerick City and County Council and Limerick Chamber have issued a joint appeal to the people of Limerick to support Limerick businesses and to remember all the basic safety precautions when it is time to do their Christmas shopping.
Shopping is at the top of many people’s agenda with Christmas Day fast approaching, with long queues forming outside shops, and bustling crowds on the streets.
It is important therefore that everyone continues to follow all the directions from the government and health guidelines including those around social distancing and the wearing of face coverings.
If your preference is to shop online or click and collect Limerick.ie/Shop is a virtual local marketplace for all your Christmas gifts. More than 240 businesses are showcased from boutiques to restaurants, sports stores to gift shops.
You can buy a local business voucher, find out about local neighbourhood food deliveries or where you can order a take-out from a favourite restaurant. Log on to browse and buy. In doing this you are supporting Limerick jobs and helping the local economy to recover.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Michael Collins said: “This Christmas will be a Christmas like no other, so everyone is being encouraged to think local and shop in Limerick when buying Christmas presents. It is encouraging to see businesses back trading and doing so well in the run up to Christmas Day. But it is hugely important that we continue to follow the guidelines as Covid-19 remains with us.”
“We all have a choice, so let our choice this year be Limerick and local. Let’s continue to shop, dine and meet in a sociably responsible manner so that 2021 can be the bright hope we all looking forward to and deserve.”
Dee Ryan, Limerick Chamber CEO said: “2020 has hit our retail and hospitality businesses particularly badly but the Limerick business community has shown remarkable resilience.
“The support that has been shown by Limerick people for local employers and teams has been heart-warming, It reflects the high quality service on offer in the city and county and also the loyalty of the Limerick public.”
“With just over a week to go, our message is shop local either online on in person wearing your mask, and when you do your Christmas socialising please chose regulated settings like one of our wonderful hotels, restaurants or gastro-pubs.”
“With so much work having been done in November to supress the virus, it is essential that we keep our guard up to ensure a healthy, safe and happy Christmas for us all.”
To support and accommodate shoppers Limerick City and County Council is building out additional footpaths to allow for more space and on-street dining if required as Limerick as more people visit the city in the run up to Christmas Day.
Three Park & Stride are been opened providing hundreds of free car parking spaces in:
- Cleeve’s Site, O’Callaghan Strand until 24 Dec inclusive (from 7am to 10pm; closes 6pm on Christmas Eve)
- Limerick City and County Council Car Park, via Nicholas Street on 19 & 20 and 24 Dec inclusive (from 9am to 10pm; closes 6pm on Christmas Eve)
- Irish Rail Depot, Roxboro Road until 24 Dec inclusive (from 9am to 10pm; closes 6pm on Christmas Eve)
Parking in the city centre is also available on-street and in multi-storey car parks.
Download the Limerick e-parking app, or pay by phone or disc. On-street car parking is free after 5.30pm daily and is free on Saturdays and Sundays.
In Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock and Newcastle West, shoppers will get an extra two hours free parking in each of the towns from 2.30pm Monday to Friday up until and including Christmas Eve. This is in addition to the first hour free, while parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays.
To keep up to date on all things Christmas in Limerick, please visit Limerick.ie/Christmas or follow Christmas in Limerick on social media.
Facebook: ChristmasInLimerick
Instagram: @ChristmasInLimerick
Twitter: @XmasLimerick
#ChristmasInLimerick
