The Taoiseach has said AIB should ‘reconsider and reflect on’ its decision to remove cash facilities at 70 branches around the country.
Earlier this week, the bank said 70 of its 170 branches would be turned into cashless outlets as a result of what it claimed is declining demand for these services.
From the end of September, only two outlets here – Letterkenny and Donegal town -will provide a full cash service.
Speaking in Singapore on the second last day of an official visit to Asia, Micheál Martin said while he understands that ,as a society, we are moving towards a more cashless society, many towns need this facility.
“There are a significant cohort of people who need this facility and I believe AIB and the banks should take notice of this,” Mr Martin told RTE News.
“AIB should reconsider and reflect on this and consider the people that have been loyal down through the years, particularly the more senior generations.”
The Fianna Fáil leader added that the economic impact for many towns is also a factor.
Mr Martin’s office has been in contact with AIB and asked officials from the bank to attend a meeting at his office next week to discuss the issue.
In a statement, AIB said it is aware of Mr Martin’s comments and said it is “happy to engage with him”.
It added the bank continues to engage with local communities.
AIB said under its plan it will retain 170 branches in their entirety across the country.
It said as part of the enhanced 20-year “AIB at An Post” arrangement, bank customers wishing to access cash can do so at any post office.
Customers will be able to withdraw up to €1,500 in cash per day from their AIB current account and lodge up to €5,000 a week in cash at the post office.
Businesses will be able to lodge up to €50,000 by prior arrangement with An Post.
AIB confirmed to RTÉ News that ATMs will be removed both inside and outside its branches it has selected to make cashless.
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