Bank of Ireland announced this week that they are to close over 100 branches across the country, including three in Mayo from September.
The three Mayo branches set to close are Ballyhaunis, Charlestown and Kiltimagh. Politicians from across all political divides in the county expressed their disappointment at the news of the branch closures.
Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary said: "To close three branches in East Mayo is an unacceptable blow to the region and while I acknowledge that services are to be made available via the An Post Network, Bank of Ireland cannot be allowed to simply close the doors and walk away from loyal customers and communities who have given them business through many decades, particularly during such a challenging time for business and individuals affected by the Covid-19 crisis."
Fine Gael TD Michael Ring said that while it is welcome that services will be provided by An Post: "However, all financial providers must bear in mind the loyalty that their customers across rural Ireland has given them. Not all people want to bank online. Many prefer to speak to a bank employee rather than listen to an automated service over the phone.
"People have their own reasons for this – security, comfort or familiarity. These services must continue the length and breadth of the country and the financial providers, whether they are banks, mortgage providers, post offices, need to realise this. I also call on people to use and support the services in your community – be it a bank or a post office. Using these facilities shows their necessity to your area. Rural Ireland needs all the supports it has and more."
Sinn Féin TD for Mayo, Rose Conway-Walsh, described the decision as "the wrong decision at the worst possible time."
She went on to say: “Bank of Ireland has attempted to justify this announcement based on a fall in branch visits over the past twelve months. This is hardly surprising given the entire population has had its movements significantly restricted in response to a public health emergency. In reality, the bank is using Covid-19 for cover, punishing customers for following public health regulations. This is not just a cynical move, but a slap in the face that will hurt customers, staff and communities. This knee-jerk reaction will leave vulnerable customers without access to essential services.
"How can Bank of Ireland engage with and prepare these customers for branch closures when public health restrictions are in place? Why was there no consultation and no stakeholder engagement? The only conclusion I can draw is that they have no regard for their customers. The announcement will further damage communities that have already been economically left behind by government policy over the past decade."
Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers also expressed her disappointment, saying: "The decision by Bank of Ireland to close three of its branches in Mayo is extremely disappointing and represents a blow for communities in Ballyhaunis, Charlestown and Kiltimagh. It is a worrying trend to see local bank services going, older people will be disproportionately impacted by these developments. There will also be job losses and a ripple effect on other businesses situated around the bank branches that would have benefited from the footfall."
There were also calls for support to be offered to the staff who will lose their jobs, with Deputy Ring saying: "We must also remember their Bank of Ireland employees and their families, who are left reeling with today’s news. They live amongst us, they are our neighbours and friends. They must be offered full support by Bank of Ireland for their future"; and Deputy Calleary stating: "My initial thoughts are with the staff of all the branches that have been selected for closure, not least the three in East Mayo – Ballyhaunis, Charlestown and Kiltimagh. This is a massive blow to them and their families and to the whole community of each town and hinterland."
In a statement, Bank of Ireland said: "The changes are in response to significant trends in how people are banking – Bank of Ireland is closing a number of branches nationwide and footfall at the closing branches is down on average by 60% since 2017, while digital usage has increased by one third. The new partnership with An Post means that Bank of Ireland customers can now avail of banking services at their local post office – Ballyhaunis, Charlestown and Kiltimagh all have a post office and there are 43 more in the county."
