Cash-free bank counters will have ‘serious impact’

Bank of Ireland is being urged to reverse a decision to make counters in some branches cash-free, with criticism that it is detrimental to rural towns.

Mayor of Cork County, Cllr Declan Hurley, said the move would impact business in rural towns like Dunmanway in West Cork, one of the branches to adopt a no cash at the counter policy.

“I am very surprised and disappointed that Bank of Ireland have chosen to introduce a no counter services option. I would be very concerned that introducing such a system will have a serious negative impact on local businesses in the town as they deal in coins on a daily basis,” he said.