This article is from page 32 of the 2007-03-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
BANK otf Ireland has revealed it does not intend to install a new 24-hour ATM in Newmarket-on-Fergus, to replace the one which closed earlier this year.
The closure of Halpin’s garage marked the end of the 24-hour ATM, which had been located there. While there are two ATMs in the village, both are located inside business premises and are not available after whe 00
Locals have expressed frustrations on the issue in recent weeks and a
letter from Bank of Ireland, to a staff officer with Clare County Council, has infuriated local councillors.
The letter from Relationship Man- ager Eileen Hannon, dated March 12, stated, “Presently Bank of Ireland are not planning on installing an ex- ternal ATM in Newmarket-on-Fer- ous. However, reviews are constantly taking place to consider urban devel- opment and population increases in specific areas.
“Should the position change dra- matically in Newmarket-on-Fergus, then Bank of Ireland will certainly reconsider the appropriateness of an
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The letter stated that while the bank is committed to providing ap- propriate banking facilities, includ- ing AIM services to its customers, the manner in which that service 1s provided has changed, “with a great- er emphasis on installing in-store re- tailer ATMs, which are becoming the preferred choice of the general public as they appear to offer greater personal security to users.”
Local Councillor Pat McMahon (FF) said, “The letter states the pre- ferred option is internal machines. The two that exist at the moment are
running out of money early.
“What do you do over a long week- end, or any weekend? I refute totally the motion they are making about the preferred choice. I’m talking about 9pm, until those shops open in the morning,’ said Cllr McMahon.
“It 1s ironic, with the massive amount of growth in those two areas, here we are, one of the major banks are refusing to provide a service. Thanks be to God, we have com- petition,’ he said, adding that other banks are looking at the possibility of installing an external ATM in the village.