The new gift card will launch in partnership with Miconex, operator of the Town & City Gift Cards programme.
Cootehill Chamber of Commerce is preparing to launch the new Cootehill Gift Card, marking a new chapter for its successful town voucher scheme. The modern physical and digital gift card will replace the existing paper vouchers, offering a convenient way to give a gift while keeping spending within the local economy.
Since its introduction in 2017, the Chamber’s town voucher scheme has helped encourage local shopping. In 2025 alone, it achieved €80,000 in voucher sales, supported in particular by local employers who chose the vouchers as staff rewards under the Small Benefit Exemption scheme.
With approximately 2,500 residents and almost 2,000 jobs in Cootehill, the Chamber believes the new card offers an opportunity to build on the paper voucher’s established success.
Lisa Pepper, president of Cootehill Chamber, said:
“The town voucher scheme has been a real success story for Cootehill. We are especially grateful to the local employers who have supported it over the years and helped direct valuable spending back into our town.
“The new gift card is a positive next step. It keeps the strong local focus of our existing scheme while making it easier and more convenient for people to choose Cootehill when rewarding staff or buying gifts.”
The Cootehill Gift Card will be available in physical and digital formats, with digital cards compatible with mobile wallets for contactless payments. Employers will also have the option of distributing digital gift cards directly to staff.
Once launched, participating businesses will be able to accept the Cootehill Gift Card through existing compatible Mastercard payment terminals, with no additional equipment required and without paying additional commission.
Connie Whelan, secretary of Cootehill Chamber, said:
“Cootehill is fortunate to have such a strong mix of family-run shops, independent retailers, cafés, restaurants and service providers, alongside major employers. These businesses are at the heart of our town. They create jobs, support local causes and help keep Cootehill a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
“Every euro spent locally makes a difference. We want the Cootehill Gift Card to be a first choice for Christmas, birthdays, special occasions and employee rewards. It is more than a gift card; it is a practical way to show confidence in our town and support the businesses that support our community throughout the year.”
The new gift card is being introduced in partnership with Miconex, the company behind the Town & City Gift Cards programme in Ireland and internationally.
Colin Munro, CEO of Miconex, said:
“Achieving €80,000 in voucher sales in 2025 is an impressive result for a voluntary organisation and reflects the commitment of Cootehill Chamber and the wider community to supporting local businesses.
“The move to a physical and digital gift card will help Cootehill build on that success by making local gifting more convenient for employers, residents and visitors.”
The launch represents another positive investment in Cootehill’s town centre and the future of local shopping. The Chamber hopes the new gift card will become a familiar choice for giving, rewarding and celebrating in the community.
Further information, including the official launch date and where the Cootehill Gift Card can be purchased and used, will be announced in the coming weeks.
