ZAPA helps support local commerce in Ireland with contactless Gift Cards.

The contactless Gift Cards have been launched in various towns across Ireland to encourage residents of the town and surrounding hinterland to shop locally, rather than travelling to larger towns in the vicinity. The Gift Cards can be used in any of the participating retailer outlets in each town and have initially been launched in the towns of Dundalk and Tuam, with expansion in various other Irish towns planned for the future.

The Gift Cards were launched as part of the Tuam ‘Love Your Town’ programme and the ‘Nice One!’ Dundalk campaign, which both support the viability of local businesses and help secure employment in the locality.

The e-Money Licence required to operate the multiple retailer cards is held by G-T-P Financial Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of G-T-P Group Ltd. As an FSA-regulated company, G-T-P is the card issuer and responsible for the programme compliance and holds the card funds, giving card holders peace of mind.

“Partnering with G-T-P on our local community Gift Cards means that ZAPA has given us a rapid and cost-effective route to market," comments Donal McGuinness, Business Development Director for ZAPA Technology.  "It has also eradicated the strict ongoing training and compliance requirements, while retaining the high standards and control required to operate a multiple retailer card like this.” “G-T-P’s partnership with ZAPA illustrates our flexibility,” adds Helen Child, Chief Executive of G-T-P. “As well as providing complete end-to-end solutions, we also provide a range of services to support the success of your Prepaid Card, such as the use of our e-Money Licence.”