Town’s retailers willing to take a punt to boost business

The Irish punt is being accepted in 42 shops in a border town as payment for goods alongside the euro and sterling, in the first move of its kind by a town in this country.

The currency became all but obsolete when the euro was introduced 10 years ago, but there is still over £285m — valued at €362m — “outstanding”.

While it is no longer legal tender, notes and coins can still be exchanged for euro at the Central Bank in Dublin.