Service cuts in two bank branches
THE withdrawal of key services from two local banks this week is causing a major headache for customers.
Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West Éamon Ó CuÃv has expressed his disappointment with the decision by Bank of Ireland to withdraw key services from branches in Headford and Ballinrobe.
As of yesterday (Wednesday), the bank will no longer carry out normal cash transactions, and the range of services provided in the branches will be severely curtailed, he explained.
Deputy Ó CuÃv commented: “The scaling back of services in these rural branches is extremely disappointing and is a source of much frustration among business people and farmers in these areas.  Limits being placed on withdrawals are extremely restrictive and, in many cases, will force people to travel to Castlebar or Tuam to undertake basic banking transactions.
“Farmers regularly expect to withdraw sums greater than their ATM limits on mart days, but as a result of the bank's downgrading, they will no longer be able to do this. Similarly, lodgements are now being capped at €3,000, which will pose major problems for businesses in these areas.
“This move is the latest in a series of rural service reductions undertaken by the State and major financial institutions. It is completely unacceptable and a source of major inconvenience for businesses in these areas. I am calling on Bank of Ireland to reconsider this decision.
“I am concerned that this is part of a larger process to remove services from rural Ireland altogether.  This gradual removal is particularly worrying as the full impact of this policy will not be felt until it is too late.  Business people and farmers need to make their views known to Bank of Ireland and I am calling on them to highlight their frustration with the move.â€