Local media continues to play a major role

Local newspapers, such as the Longford Leader, are the lifeblood of communities and hold a very important place in Irish society, providing a vital service that should be cherished and supported.

While it has never been easier for people to access news they still turn to their local newspaper for reliable, trusted information.

The need for such credible information has never been as important as in these challenging times we have found ourselves in this year. This partnership with Local Ireland is such a natural fit for the National Lottery. Like local newspapers, the National Lottery is embedded in communities all over Ireland through our network of over 5,500 retailers who sell our games.

We are proud of the contribution of the National Lottery to communities through our Good Causes fund. Nearly 30 cents in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back in the areas of Youth, Sports, Recreation, Amenities, Health, Welfare, Arts, Culture, National Heritage and the Irish Language.

Last year alone, €252 million was raised for approximately 4,000 local sports clubs, community organisations and charities across the country. National Lottery retailers in Ireland benefited to the tune of almost €51 million in commission. There were €497.5 million in prizes in 2019.

When we look at Longford specifically, where 15,000 people, on average, play National Lottery games every week and all our Longford players won a total sum of €4.3 million in prizes last year. There are over 65 retailers in Longford who sell National Lottery games and in excess of €472,000 was paid to those retailers in commission. More than 65 such Good Causes projects were supported across Longford in the past two years.

Local media is essential to keeping communities connected and continues to play a major role in both shaping and reflecting the people it serves in every village, parish and town in the country.