Christmas shoppers are being encouraged to buy Irish and to shop locally.

There are only two retail days remaining before Christmas on Thursday.

Last week, figures figures released showed that the average household here, spends €1,400 celebrating the festive season.

The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, says that every €10 spent in an area, generates €24 for the local economy.

Chief Executive of ISME Mark Fielding, explains some of the benefits associated with shopping locally: