Criticism of changes at BOI’s banks

A WICKLOW TD has criticised proposed changes by Bank of Ireland which will see counter service replaced by an ‘Advice & Self-Service’ model in Tinahely, Rathdrum and Carnew branches and morning-only counter services in Arklow.

Deputy Pat Casey has called on Bank of Ireland to reverse this decision which he says will have an adverse impact on the rural areas in particular.

‘Bank of Ireland has disregarded the needs of their rural customers to make a cold decision to cease cashier services. How do local businesses and the rural customers get change or cash in rural Wicklow? The added security risks that the Bank is now placing on loyal customers is also a factor here. Rural residents feel very vulnerable because of this,’ he said.

He described the decision as ‘short-sighted’ by the bank which he said has traditionally been seen as supportive of rural Ireland.

‘ Tinahely customers for example cannot even go to Arklow as the branch there will only have a cashier desk from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Instead, they have been advised to travel through back roads to Gorey or even Bunclody which is a round trip taking up to two hours. How this decision fits into their corporate social responsibility framework is a mystery to me.’

A spokesperson for Bank of Ireland said that customers are changing the way they bank and that only three per cent of total transactions are now conducted over the counter.

The spokesperson outlined that the self-service option has been very successful in other branches and that customers who require a counter service can be introduced to another local branch for this.

An internet kiosk will be introduced into Rathdrum, Carnew and Tinahely and floor staff will be available to assist customers in the use of all self-service options and offer advice regarding products such as mortgages, investments, and insurance.