waterford-today.ie September 09, 2020
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March 03, 2021 t: (051) 854 135, waterford-today.ie
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‘Kick in teeth’ fury as bank wields axe THREE Bank of Ireland branches in Co Waterford are among the 88 to be axed across the country. The bank says services provided at its Ardkeen, Kilmacthomas and Lismore offices will, from September, be offered by post offices. It has named 23 post offices across the county that will offer basic banking services, including offices in Kilmacthomas and Lismore. An Post welcomed the announcement but the move has brought angry criticism from local politicians. Fianna Fáil TD Mary Butler said it was “a major blow ... to lose three branches in Waterford in one fell swoop .” Ms Butler, who is Minister of State with responsibility for older people, said the closures were “a devastating blow” for this sector. Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane said it was “the wrong decision at the worst possible time”. He said the fall in branch business was hardly surprising given the entire population has had
WALK OVER: Waterford camogie turned out in force to support a 5K run to help the training fund. Senior manager Derek Lyons went further and walked 50K within 5K of his home. Report: Page 2. Picture: Noel Browne
its movements significantly restricted and accused the Bank of “using Covid-19 for cover, punishing customers for following public health regulations.” Waterford Labour councillors John Pratt, Ger Barron, Séamus Ryan, and Thomas Phelan. issued a joint statment accusing Bank of Ireland of kicking its loyal customers in the teeth. They called on the Central Bank and Government to intervene Fianna Fáil councillor James Tobin called for clarirfication on what services would be available at the post offices. Bank of Ireland said the cuts were in response to significant trends in how people are banking .It said: “The bank will continue to operate one of the most extensive branch networks in the country, with 169 branches. This will be complemented by the new partnership with An Post, offering customers services including over the counter cash and cheque lodgements, withdrawals, and balance enquiries.”
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