Supermarket chain offers facility for customers to get rid of their old money.
Superquinn is giving people the opportunity to use up their old Irish notes and coins in their stores as payment or part payment for groceries. The aim of the initiative is to allow customers to get rid of any punts they may still have lying around. Currently the only place still accepting the old currency is the Central Bank in Dublin.
The Central Bank estimates as much as £336 million (€426 million) could still be in circulation. By the fourth day of this initiative, Superquinn has taken in £200,000.
The scheme has proven so successful it has been extended for a further three days. Keith Harford manager of Superquinn in Blackrock, County Dublin is amazed by how much old money is coming through the tills.
One shopper left with £80 after the euro change over date is delighted with the opportunity to spend her money as,
To be honest with a small baby I just can’t get into the Central Bank.
Using the old currency means she can stock up on items such as nappies and therefore educe her shopping bill for the few months.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 February 2003. The reporter is Ailbhe Conneely.
