National Irish Bank is moving closer to the "cashless society" with the launch of the Citrus card. Consumers are encouraged to use the multi-application smart card as they would cash.

The card, currently available only at Blanchardstown shopping centre, may be used in participating retailers for transactions as low as 1p.

Card-holders may load electronic cash directly from their bank account on to their card over the telephone by using a homeload device or through cashless ATM located at the shopping centre.

It is hoped that, in a "cashless society", consumers eventually will carry just one card.