Financial service providers must support rural Ireland

Financial service providers must offer sustained proper services to rural communities, towns and villages across Ireland, Fine Gael TD Michael Ring has said.

Following Bank of Ireland’s decision to close 103 branches across the island, Deputy Ring said rural Ireland must be afforded fair treatment from the financial services sector.

“It is good that a new partnership is being provided with post offices across the country to countenance these closures. Business and personal Bank of Ireland customers can use their use their local post office for a range of banking services – including cash withdrawal and to make cash and cheque lodgements.

“On average, these post offices are less than 500m from the bank branch listed for closure from September 2021 on.

“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.

“We must also remember there are 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,” Deputy Ring said.