Branch closures are a ‘huge blow’
THE controversial move by Bank of Ireland to close branches across north Cork as part of its restructuring process has been described as a “hard blow” to rural communities across the region.
Business leaders, community groups and politicians have all expressed their disappointment at the move, with Cork North West TD Michael Moynihan saying the loss of the branches in Kanturk and Millstreet will leave the area between Mallow and Tralee without a BOI branch.
“I am shocked that Bank of Ireland has chosen to leave the area completely, a move that will have a serious impact on the communities in Kanturk and Millstreet. The bank has shown no respect for their many customers in the Duhallow region with this decision,” said Deputy Moynihan.
He said the closure of branches in Mitchelstown and across the county border in Castleisland and Abbeyfeale would also have a huge impact on loyal customers across north Cork who have “stood by the bank for many years”.
“I have contacted Bank of Ireland to express my opposition to their decisions and to their very poor treatment of their customers – this is a huge blow to the entire region and further removes vital services from the reach of many people,” said Deputy Moynihan.
Party colleague and fellow Cork North West TD Aindrias Moynihan described the closures as a “hard blow” for branch staff and the communities they served.
He said the business, retail and hospitality sectors would be particularly badly impacted as they will have to travel longer distances to lodge money.
“In some instances this could this could lead to them keeping money on premises or in their homes, creating further risks of burglaries. Sadly, this decision will also disproportionately impact on older people,” said Deputy Moynihan.
However, he did welcome the announcement that An Post would be stepping in to provide services for Bank of Ireland customers.
Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock, who is the party’s spokesperson on Community and Rural Affairs, described the branch closures as an attack on provincial towns around the country “especially in north Cork”.
“This is akin to ripping the commercial heart out of provincial Ireland. These branches provide a focal point not just for everyday banking but wider community itself. These closures will change the face of our towns, and the impact will be seen on our main streets and felt by family businesses,” said Deputy Sherlock.
He accused the Central Bank of being “asleep at the wheel” in allowing the closures and has called on Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to put a stay on them.
“This is an attack on provincial towns and must be resisted in full,” he said.
Meanwhile, Duhallow-based county councillor Bernard Moynihan (FF) has urged the Government to engage directly with Bank of Ireland official to ensure the closed branch buildings are offered to An Post at reduced rates.
“As An Post will be offering banking services to the public, it makes sense that they be allowed to grow their business in these large, centrally located buildings,” he said.
Eilish O’Connor, The Alley Bar, Kanturk.
“It’s very disappointing to see the Bank of Ireland Branch in Kanturk closing, this is bound to affect other businesses around town. And it’s going to very hard for older people who can’t do online banking, they have been used to going into the bank all their lives, so it will be a big change for them.”
POPULAR Macroom venue The Castle Hotel is set to reopen after St Patrick’s Day to cater for locals seeking takeaway food and drinks, and providing accommodation for essential workers.
The four-star hotel on Macroom’s main street has been closed since Christmas due to lockdown restrictions, and though other hostelries in the hinterland have been providing take-away services, it remained shut. It will re-open on March 22.
Hotel owner Rory Buckley, the third generation of his family to be involved with the Castle, has said the family and staff are excited that the hotel is reopening.
“Having been closed since Christmas Eve, we hope this is the first step in getting fully open and having all our team back at work in the coming months,” he said.
“For now, following government guidelines, it will be just a provision of essential B&B and take-away.”
Last year the hotel was awarded the Fáilte Ireland Safety certificate.