DROGHEDA INDEPENDENT 8th July 2009 on page 21st

Don’t go bust – join the barter revolution

RECESSION-BEATING WEBSITE LAUNCHED IN DROGHEDA

TURNING one person’s rubbish into someone else’s treasure, ‘go barter Ireland,’ is a recession busting website launched in Drogheda last week.

The website gives the ancient art of bartering a thoroughly modern twist by providing an on-line market place where people can swop their goods or services for other goods or services.

‘ You can swop anything and everything from unwanted household goods, to cars or even a house,’ says website master Maureen Peakin.

There is even the chance to swops skills or services with other folk who might need them. ‘For instance you could have an accountant who needs his house painted, exchanging services with a painter who needs his accounts done,’ Maureen points out.

New York native Maureen has been living in Drogheda’s Trinity Gardens for the past seven years with her Dublin born husband.

‘Drogheda is my town now. I’ve watched while shops downtown have close and estates turn into a retirement communities with fewer and fewer people going out to work.’ The bartering website is her attempt to provide people with imaginative ways around the economic downturn.

‘People can show what they want to give away and ask for what they will take in exchange. There is also a section where people can search for specific items they may want,’ Maureen explains.

On ‘go barter Ireland’ this week the owner of a they are open to offers. small family car is looking ‘It is a totally free to exchange it for an service to that is use,’ really simply says older, people carrier, folk with books and DVD’s Maureen. are offering to exchange For more informationie them for mobile phone go to www.gobarterireland. top ups, while those giving away gym and computer equipment say they are open to offers.

Angela MCCORMICK - Drogheda Independent - 08 Jul 2009 Copyright ©drogheda independent.ie All Rights Reserved