Charity denies bank charges forced centre’s closure

THE charity that provides services for intellectually disabled people in Kerry yesterday firmly rejected a report that it was forced to close one of its 12 centres because of allegedly excessive bank charges.

The Kerry Parents and Friends Association (KPFA) also said it had not, at any time, sold off assets to meet its financial commitments.

However, KPFA chief executive Tony Darmody declined to confirm or deny a report in a Sunday newspaper that they had received a €210,000 settlement from AIB because the charity had been charged fees without notification.

Mr Darmody said they would not go beyond a statement they had issued.

In the statement, KPFA said it wished to ‘categorically refute’ the allegations made in relation to AIB.

“AIB has been the Association’s bankers since 1973 and as such has always supported and facilitated the Association in its development of services, including its capital development programme,” it said.

“AIB continue to act as the Association’s bankers and enjoy the complete confidence of the Association.”

The KPFA issued the statement after a meeting yesterday.

AIB also rebutted the allegations, saying it had good relations with the charity.

Meanwhile, Consumers’ Association chief executive Dermot Jewell urged people to always check their statements and charges by financial institutions.

He said many charities were reliant on volunteers who did not have the expertise to do the checking.