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The new euro coin packs that are on sale today in post
offices and banks. Photograph: Joe St Ledger |
"Well, they're nice and light anyway," said a woman who had just bought a pack of euro coins in Dublin's GPO. For £5 (old money), she got the equivalent in euro coins - €6.35, made up of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent coins and 1 and 2 euro coins.
The euro starter packs are available from today at post offices, banks and some credit unions. Dublin's GPO, whose 8 a.m. opening time is two hours ahead of any bank, became something of a focal point for those anxious to see and feel what will become the new currency of 12 European Union countries in 18 days' time.
"We had the first customers shortly after eight," said An Post's Head of Communications, Mr John Foley. "As it got nearer to nine the queues increased. There was a queue of about 60 people at 9.20. We switched it to all the hatches [rather than just one] then," he said.
Post offices nationwide have 350,000 euro packs for sale, with 50,000 of them being in Dublin's GPO alone. This will introduce around €2 million into Irish pockets ahead of them becoming legal currency on January 1st.
Central Bank of Ireland spokesman Mr Neil Whoriskey,also observed what was happening at the GPO this morning. "It's gone well," he said.
The day that was in it also made it a good one on which to launch the new coins. "Today is pension day, so that brings more and more people into the public offices," said Mr Foley.
Some members of the public were very impressed with the coins. "A great idea, about time. I can't wait for them to come in fully," said Mr Eddie Fitzroy of Santry. "It's brilliant, great to see them. All we were doing before was reading about them. Roll on the euro," he said.
Not everyone was seeing immediate benefits though. One man was pessimistic about the changeover period. "The shops, the cab drivers, the pubs, they'll all catch you. The only people to lose will be the public," he said.
