Local Minister meets bank management to discuss future of Moate services and building
Local Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State Robert Troy has this week held discussions with senior officials in Bank of Ireland to discuss options for services in Moate into the future.
Top of the agenda for discussion was the future use for the Bank of Ireland building in the town and also the continuation of ATM services.
“Following last week's announcement regarding the closure of the branch in Moate I immediately moved to set up a meeting to put forward a very positive proposal on the future use of the existing Bank of Ireland building.
"Obviously, the loss of Bank of Ireland is a huge blow to the town and I felt this could be mitigated somewhat if the bank were willing to engage with the Credit Union and offer the premises for sale at a reasonable price.
"During the meeting I made it very clear that following years of successful and loyal business in the town it was now time for Bank of Ireland to give back to Moate by engaging positively with the Credit Union to ensure that this building can be maintained for banking services,” Deputy Troy said.
On Monday morning Minister Troy met with Gavin Kelly, CEO of Retail Banking, Regional Director Alan Durkan, and Head of Communications Paul O’Brien and also discussed the continuation of ATM services on site.
Bank of Ireland is due to close 103 branches, including Moate, in September.
“I am pleased that Bank of Ireland had relatively positive feedback to my proposals which would be of huge benefit to the town going forward and have agreed to meet with representatives of the local Credit Union group as soon as possible to discuss the proposal.
"Regarding the ATM service it has also been agreed to discuss its future with Credit Union officials.
St Brigid’s Credit Union, Moate is currently located on Church Street and it is felt that a move to the larger and Bank of Ireland premises would be advantageous in terms of increasing the branches service offering.
“Let’s hope that these discussions yield a positive outcome for all involved,” concluded Minister Troy.