BANK of Ireland has moved to reassure Clare’s Independent TD that its ATM in Kilkee will be retained after the closure of the branch.
From September, the outlet will be one of three in this county – and 103 on the island – to be closed in a move which the bank said comes in response to online banking and cashless transactions. Deputy Michael McNamara questioned bank officials on Tuesday at the Joint Oireachtas Finance Committee.
Gavin Kelly, CEO of Retail Ireland at Bank of Ireland confirmed that Kilkee is one of four locations in the Republic of Ireland that will retain their existing ATM.
“There will be four locations that we are going to keep an ATM in the branch because there isn’t an alternative branch in the town, and Kilkee is one of those locations,” Mr Kelly said. “So, we are committed to maintaining the ATM in Kilkee for that reason.”
In response to Deputy McNamara’s question about the retention of the ATM in Miltown Malbay, Mr Kelly said the branch ATM service will be discontinued because a cash point is currently available in locally, while cash services will also be available through the local post office by the time the branch closes.
Deputy McNamara welcomed news of the retention of the Kilkee ATM, but expressed dissatisfaction over the impact of the branch closures for the community and SMEs in Miltown.
“There is an ATM in the local Supervalu, but withdrawal limits are in place here and access is restricted by the outlet’s opening hours. I ask Bank of Ireland to reconsider its decision,” he added.
The Scariff man also told The Champion he is urging the bank to install an ATM in Tulla to make up for the loss of the bank branch. “Bank of Ireland has never had an ATM in Tulla, but must provide one now given the huge disruption that will be caused when the branch closes,” he said. “Tulla needs a proper, external ATM where lodgements can be made and where the service is accessible 24/7 without the more stringent withdrawal restrictions.”
Up to Tuesday’s confirmation, uncertainty hung over the ATM in Kilkee with fears the town might have no cash point at all in the wake of the closures.