Further calls for Bank of Ireland to halt closure of Moville branch

There have been further calls for Bank of Ireland to halt the closure of its Moville branch.

Speaking at this week’s Inishowen Municipal District meeting k, Councillor Martin Farren said the proposed closure of the branch was ‘absolutely scandalous.’

He welcomed confirmation that John McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal had sent a letter to the Bank of Ireland CEO on behalf of the Inishowen Municipal District and the council seeking a reversal of the plan.

Bank of Ireland announced last month it is to close 88 branches in the South and 15 in Northern Ireland, from September.

Colr Farren told how he has received numerous messages from people in the locality since the news was announced.

He added how it is ‘extremely important’ the branch in Moville is kept open.

The Labour councillor also pointed out how Bank of Ireland ‘is saying that the services will be continued in post offices, but the Post Masters’ Union has said recently that there’s a possibility 200 post offices could close down.”

Colr Farren said he is concerned that the post offices will not be in place to offer the services.

Colr Farren, who apologised for sounding ‘angry’ while speaking on the issue said he feels ‘very strongly’ and said he has ‘no doubt’ the Chief Executive will ‘do everything in his power’ to halt the closure in September.”

Colr Farren pointed out that when banks were in debt, ‘we gave millions in taxpayers money to keep them open.”

“They don’t give a damn about rural Ireland and they’re blaming the closures on a reduction in footfall at a time when people were being told to stay in their homes,” he claimed.

Colr Martin McDermott gave his support to Colr Farren and said Minister Charlie McConalogue has ‘had conversations’ to see if there can be ‘any resolution’ to the issue.

“Everyone is 100% behind what you’re trying to do.”