Bank is slated for rural cutbacks

BANK of Ireland have been slated by Fianna Fáil Rural Affairs Spokesman for withdrawing over-the-counter services at 100 branches across small rural towns and villages.

Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív has also said that he was deeply disappointed by the bank’s decision to phase out the Irish language option on its ATM machines across the country.

He said that the withdrawal of the over-the-counter services from 100 branches was a ‘huge insult’ to rural residents across the country.

Deputy Ó Cuív said that over the past number of weeks, Bank of Ireland had begun removing its over-the-counter services in branches across the country leading to much frustration in affected communities.

“Business people and farmers have been particularly inconvenienced by the move – especially with regard to limits on cash lodgements and withdrawals. Many are now finding that they’re having to travel to other towns to carry out their day-to-day banking services.

“Farmers regularly expect to withdraw sums greater than their ATM limits to buy cattle and sheep, but as a result of the bank’s downgrading, they will no longer be able to do this.  New restrictions on lodgements are also posing problems for businesses in these towns and villages,” said Deputy Ó Cuív.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.