BoI cuts back service in branches

Bank of Ireland has cut its counter cash services to three days a week across a network of branches.

The move affects 41 smaller outlets, with customers advised to use automated services such as ATMs and lodge and withdrawal stations for cash transaction on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

A spokeswoman for the bank says the initiative is based on “cost-efficiency,” and that “the introduction of expanded self-service options is driven by the need of our customers for faster delivery of basic services”.

The changes are intended to “protect the quality of our service and our presence in communities across the land in the years ahead, says the spokeswoman, adding that “a wide range of self-service technology within the branches is available five days a week, supplemented by a counter cash service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.”

The bank cites customers “migrating towards other forms of banking” and “a huge increase in online transactions,” as further mitigating factors.

There will be no compulsory redundancies arising from the measure, but the bank operates a continuing programme of “voluntary parting” and “it is envisaged that a significant number of staff may transfer,” the spokeswoman added.

Among the branches impacted by the change are: Millstreet, Dunmanway, Rosslare, Askeaton, Rathkeale, Tulla, Banagher, Graiguenamanagh, Lismore, Oughterard, Dunmore, Bruff, and Kilmallock.

In Lismore, Co Waterford, mayor Julie Landers said two pensioners striving to cash a cheque in the bank recently were advised to return the following day. Lismore town councillor John Heneghan told January’s town council meeting that the bank was now providing a “Mickey Mouse service” that was possibly a deterrent to potential investors in the area.

He accused the bank of having “no sense of gratitude towards the taxpayers who bailed it out” and compared the “farce” of the new initiative to the “wonderful service” provided by the local credit union.

Isme boss Mark Fielding says the move represents an erosion of the commercial infrastructure and social capital of smaller towns.

“Banks, like the local garda station and schools, etc, are part of the cement holding a community together and this marks a ‘pulling out’ of that provision. A round trip of 30 miles is no substitute for a properly staffed and working branch. Customers want a personal service, regardless of high-tech provisions.”