Inter-county link to boost gift cards in Limerick and Tipperary

BUSINESS leaders in Limerick and Tipperary have launched a cross-county collaboration aimed at encouraging organisations to keep employee reward spending within the local economy.

Those behind the Limerick Gift Card and the Love Tipperary Gift Cards have come together to allow the purchase of both in a single order.

It enables employees to receive a card for their home county.

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Central Statistics Office data indicates there are approximately 24,000 businesses across counties Limerick and Tipperary, employing an estimated 160,000 people.

The Limerick Gift Card, supported by council and Limerick Chamber, and the Love Tipperary Gift Card, backed by County Tipperary Chamber and Tipperary County Council, were both launched in November 2024.

The cards are available in physical and digital formats and are commonly used by employers under the Small Benefit Exemption scheme, which allows up to five non-cash benefits per year to a total value of €1,500, exempt from PAYE income tax, USC and PRSI.

More than €500,000 worth of the two gift cards has been sold to date.

Over 520 businesses accept the cards across Limerick city and towns including Newcastle West, Adare, Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock and Rathkeale.

Seán Golden, chief economist and director of policy at Limerick Chamber, said the collaboration reflects the level of cross-county commuting between the two regions.

“Many employees live in Tipperary and work in Limerick, and vice versa,” he said. “This approach allows employers to meet employee preferences.”