The proposal by Allied Irish Bank to turn 70 branches into cashless outlets represents a further significant reduction in the provision of financial services, particularly in rural Ireland.

This comes at a time when 2 retail banks are exiting this State and more than a million customers have to open new accounts. In various Dáil debates I, along with others, had strongly argued for the establishment of a banking review in this country with all stakeholders participating. It is most disappointing that AIB make this proposal in the middle of this important review.

I welcome the bank’s decision to recruit more staff and I hope they will be employed in this country. Unfortunately there is no mention of additional staff to deal with customers on a person to person basis.

20/07/2022