Retailers against the timing but back end of coppers

Retailers will welcome plans to phase out 1c and 2c coins, but would have preferred if the process had been delayed until after Christmas, according to a representative body.

The scheme will see customers’ change rounded to the nearest five cents, if they consent, reducing the use of one and two cent coins which often end up stored at people’s homes.

Thomas Burke of Retail Ireland said the body’s members broadly support the Central Bank’s plan, following a pilot run of the scheme in Wexford.