Tubbercurry chamber concerned over cash desk closure at bank
Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern over the closure of cash desks at the Bank of Ireland in the town.
President Geraldine Brennan fears the move could have a negative effect on local business and the community in general.
She said: “We have had a strong relationship with Bank of Ireland through the years and applaud its community efforts but its recent announcement that it will no longer have a teller/cash desk at its Tubbercurry branch is a huge blow to our community and its business.”
She goes on to explain: “Numerous clubs, churches and community groups deal exclusively or substantially in cash.
“These small groups – which are so vital to the life and soul of our town – can’t take “e-payments” from their members, or deal in wireless transfers at fundraisers.
“The closure of the cash desk will put even more pressure on them to do their charitable work and now because they must travel to other towns to do their banking they will be inclined to shop in those towns and not in Tubbercurry.
Geraldine makes the point that for some customers the face to face interaction with tellers is vital.
She says: “Similarly, we have received numerous complaints from individuals who fear that no one will be on hand to take their cash deposits or answer routine queries.
“For many, using a machine is simply not an acceptable alternative. Many people come to town to do their banking “in person” and then stay on for shopping.
“Those people are now being given another reason to stay at home or in their office to complete their banking on-line.”
The Chamber President stresses: “This is a discentive to come in to our town. There is no price that can be put on the positive relationships that are built and centre on face-to-face interactions.
“In rural Ireland it is essential that we preserve and foster these interactions and put some work into avoiding the endless push toward digital and faceless commerce.”
The chamber is now calling on Bank of Ireland to take on board their concerns as Geraldine says: “We ask Bank of Ireland to reconsider its decision to close the cash desk.” The Chamber has also suggested a compromise which it believes would work for the community. Geraldine explains: “Even if the cash desks were to remain open only on certain days it would be better than closing entirely.”
In response a spokesperson for Bank of Ireland said: “Our customers are rapidly changing the way they bank. Today, only 3% of our customers’ total transactions are conducted over the counter – 97% of all transactions take place through other channels.
“In relation to Tubbercurry and Ballymote the branches are adopting the ‘Advice & Self Service’ model. In an ‘Advice & Self Service’ branch our staff will move from behind the counter onto the floor and be there to provide personalised financial and banking advice.
“Customers will continue to be provided with a comprehensive range of products and services, the ability to lodge and withdraw cash from easy to use self-service devices and access to online and 365 phone services.”
The spokesperson confirmed: “Foreign currency exchange and coin transaction services will no longer be available in these branches, and if any customer requires a counter service we will introduce them to the branch of their choice locally.
“Implementation of these changes will be taking place on a phased basis with a two-month period for comprehensive customer notification.”