The introduction of the euro poses a particular difficulty for cross-Border trade, as illustrated by the problems of a bus company linking Derry and Donegal. The company's bus drivers will struggle to juggle three currencies with the introduction of the euro in the New Year.
Mr Connell Diver, traffic manager of the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway Company, said his employees would have to double as bankers. The firm has been linking Derry and areas of north and west Donegal since 1853. The original name of the company remains, even though the last train ground to a halt back in 1953.
These days "The Swilly" operates a fleet of some 90 buses. Mr Diver's worry is that dealing in pounds, euros and sterling will "make the busman into some sort of a banker". Passengers boarding in the Republic can pay in pounds during the dual circulation period until February 9th, 2002. However, the driver must convert the fare into euros to enter it into his machine and give change in euros. New euro-friendly ticket machines will cost the company around £40,000.
"Then when they get into the North they are confronted with another currency. It will be a nightmare for the busmen."
