Community leaders in east Mayo towns very disappointed over bank closures

Community leaders in the east Mayo towns of Ballyhaunis, Kiltimagh and Charlestown have expressed disappointment over the decision of Bank of Ireland to close their branches in the three towns.

Speaking to Midwest Radio, the president of Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce, Tom Forde, said the bank had moved footfall to Claremorris and Castlerea by running down services in Ballyhaunis over an extended period.

"We have been lobbying against their actions and made numerous attempts to hold meetings with Bank of Ireland over what was happening.

"The decision has left the town's commercial sector in a vulnerable position," he explained.

Joe Kelly, IRD Kiltimagh, said Bank of Ireland had been running down its services in the town for a number of years - so while the decision was a disappointment it did not come as a surprise.

"It is a drawback when trying to attract investment to the town and make it more vibrant," he said.

However, he welcomed the fact that services will be available at Kiltimagh Post Office.

Charlestown-based Councillor Gerry Murray said the Bank of Ireland has been downgrading its branches in Charlestown, Ballyhaunis and Kiltimagh for some time as part of an exit strategy in respect of the three towns.

He called on Mayo's Oireachtas members to seek a postponement of the bank's decision until negotiations take place to find replacement banks for the three towns.

Councillor Murray cited the fact that a German bank sought to enter the Irish market in 2017 and were prevented from doing so by Irish banking interests.

The bank in question should now be invited to reactivate its interest.