Mullingar is making money - literally

Mullingar is about to be catapulted into the financial markets as it intends to mint its own money!The Gar will be a unique currency circulating among the people of the town that promises the bearer a 10% on goods and services.The note, which is the brainchild of Bartle D'Arcy, Belvedere House Gardens and Park, is based on the old 10 punt note, which carried the image of James Joyce, and comes in one denomination - 10 Gars."The Chamber of Commerce is delighted with the idea of a secondary currency that will support local businesses and help customers get the best value of their shopping experience," said Bartle."This is only one of a number of initiatives and strategies being created by a new marketing committee set up by the Chamber of Commerce to support Mullingar."The Gar money supply is controlled and can be expanded if required. It can also be supplied to visitors in hotels to encourage them to visit the town to avail of the great value and service available.It is expected that a Central Bank of Mullingar will be set up each Saturday before Christmas and people will be able to exchange the email information for gars. Participating outlets will be posted on the chamber website.Another innovative venture is Mullingar's Made in Westmeath shop, just opened in Mount Street, where 13 craft workers entered the world of retail with their own shop. All the products stocked were designed and hand-crafted in the county.This year is a special year for crafts as it marks the 40th anniversary of the Craft Council of Ireland and 2011 is the official Year of Craft. The Made in Westmeath group was formed earlier this year and consists of some 25 craft workers across Westmeath.