Frustration as shops re-open but bank closed
A RATHDRUM retail owner has expressed his frustration that after re-opening up his business the local Bank of Ireland branch remains closed until June 29.
Bill Porter re-opened Avondale Sports and Leisure on Rathdrum’s Main Street on Monday after being closed for twelve weeks due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bill is a Bank of Ireland customer, but the Rathdrum branch isn’t due to re-open until June 29, when it will offer advice and self-service banking Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m..
The bank’s ATMs will also be accepting cash and cheque lodgements from this date
Currently Bill has to travel to the Bank of Ireland in Wicklow town to lodge money, with Wednesday the only day he has free to travel such a distance.
‘It just a huge inconvenience,’ said Bill.
‘I have been shut for twelve weeks now and the Rathdrum branch of Bank of Ireland actually closed a couple of days before we shut up shop.
‘My wife doesn’t drive and Wednesday is the only day I have off which allows me to drive up to Wicklow town. I then have to wait for the following Wednesday to lodge anymore money.
‘Even if I only want to lodge just €100, I have to travel all the way to Wicklow town. It’s not good enough. Bank of Ireland were aware that most retail businesses were re-opening on Monday.
‘This is a crisis for someone running a small business. I am only now getting back on track after being closed for twelve weeks and Bank of Ireland aren’t doing me any favours. They are letting down businesses in a major way.’
Bill feels the delay in opening is also impacting on other businesses and bank users.
‘Anyone who doesn’t do online banking is going to be in difficulty. I have had people come into the shop to tell me that they can’t pay their Sky bill because they can’t lodge any money into the Rathdrum branch.
‘What are people, especially older people, from the likes of Greenane or Glenmalure meant to do? It’s not good enough and is a huge inconvenience.’
Now some residents are fearful that rural banks could go the way of rural post offices, including the potential closure of certain services at rural locations.
‘People are worried that Covid-19 could be used as an excuse to close some rural branches in the future.
‘I would hate to think that rural banks will be the next thing to close down following all the post office closures that have taken place recently.’