Bank of Ireland have announced the closure of 88 bank branches across the country, including Cahir, Cashel and Templemore in Co. Tipperary, in September of this year. Regionally, there will be closures in Kanturk, Millstreet, Mitchelstown, Abbeyfeale, Askeaton, Bruff, Caherdavin, Rathkeale, Roxboro, University of Limerick, Callan, Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown and Urlingford.
Francesca McDonagh, CEO of Bank of Ireland, said the decision was made because customers are saying “loudly and clearly” that they want more digital and less branches and this is about investing where customers want to bank. Ms McDonagh said the deal with An Post will enable all Bank of Ireland customers to carry out counter transactions in one of An Post outlets. A hotline had been set up for customers, particularly older customers, the bank CEO said, but she added that there is a high take up of online banking among older customers and half of customers aged over 65 are registered online.
Tipperary TD, Martin Browne, said that he had contacted Bank of Ireland for further clarity on its plans.“The decision to transfer it’s over the counter business to post offices in these communities will be a welcome addition to the post office network, but it is unclear what range of services our post offices will be able to take on. “This decision is a blow to many people who are not in a position to deal with online banking”. “It will have a further impact on the level of footfall on many of the main streets in the towns targeted”. The Cashel based TD said “Rural Ireland is failed time and time again through a policy of centralisation in both the public and private sectors. Bank of Ireland is joining with the government in using the Covid crisis as a reason to withdraw from communities across the country”. “Sinn Féin’s Rural Equality Bill must be followed-through by the government to deal with years of rural neglect, by securing investment through a united approach with all key stakeholders, and ensuring fair play and equality for rural areas.”
Irish Cattle and Sheep Association president Dermot Kelleher has said that the decision to close 103 branches of Bank of Ireland will “exacerbate the growing detachment of banks from their customers in rural Ireland. The decision will be a disaster for many bank customers who do not have access to quality broadband.The digital divide is going to get worse before it gets better, and yet again rural Ireland is being let down.” “In addition, ICSA is especially concerned that the decimation of the frontline relationship between the bank and its customers will play havoc with the essential credit needs of farm families and with the basics of prudent lending.” “ICSA is calling on Bank of Ireland to re-consider, particularly as this comes on top of the closing of Ulster Bank in Ireland”.
