ATMs will keep rural areas alive
However, it is very important that as many as possible are installed in small towns and villages. I feel that there is a danger that the new facilities will be swallowed up in shopping centres and filling stations in city suburbs where there are larger populations to the detriment of rural Ireland.
According to Bank of Ireland, they will not decide where they will locate the new ATMs until later this year.
Many people rightly believe having such ATMs in small rural communities that once had a bank branches and Post Offices, would make money available locally and more than likely spent locally, thereby helping the local economy, sustaining employment, social activity and population.
I would urge local community councils, tourism organisations, development associations, etc. in rural areas to lobby Bank of Ireland immediately so that they are not left out when locations for the 500 new facilities are finalised.
Cllr Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin,
Sinn Féin,
An Gallán,
Cloich na Coillte,
Contae Chorcaí.
