Wexford begins trial without 1 and 2 cent coins

250 shops and business in Wexford will go without 1 and 2 cent coins as part of a trial which could see them taken out of circulation.

250 shops and business in Wexford will go without one- and two- cent coins as part of a trial which could see them taken out of circulation.

The Central Bank's Rounding Trial will see prices rounded to the nearest five cent, and assess the reaction of consumers.

In the case of multi-item shopping trips, the total cost of the bill will be rounded, rather than each individual item.

After the trial is finished, a report will be prepared for the Government, which will have the final say on whether the scheme is taken any further.

The reaction so far has been mainly positive," said Ronnie O'Toole of the Central Bank.

"What we want from Wexford mainly is participation … exactly whether they like it or not, well, that's the purpose of the trial."

He said the Central Bank would run surveys with the local population before and after the trial, and compare the results.