Hundreds attend ulster bank protest in athlone

Hundreds of people attended a protest over the closure of the Ferbane branch of Ulster Bank in Athlone this afternoon.

Economist Eddie Hobbs, IFA President Eddie Downey, Chief Executive of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland and CEO of Irish Rural Link Seamus Boland addressed the crowd outside Athlone Civic Centre.

The crowd marched through the streets of Athlone from the Diskin Centre to John Count McCormack Square, stopping outside Ulster Bank to present a letter the manager of Ulster Bank Athlone, Seán Kelleghan, who met with the group outside the bank to receive the letter.

They chanted ‘Ulster Bank, keep your promise’ as they made their way through the streets of Athlone before chairman of Ferbane Bank Action Group Pat O’Callaghan addressed the crowd from the podium to introduce the speakers.

Eddie Hobbs said: “The continued erosion of social capital, that amongst many other losses, includes the closure of the Ulster Bank branch in Ferbane, will continue until it is stopped, but stopping it will require local revitalisation and new national policies that recognise that exclusive focus on FDI which clusters around urban settings is exacerbating the demise of rural economies.”

CEO if Irish Rural Link Seamus Boland said his organisation supported the ‘big switch’.

“If Ulster Bank continues not to honour their promise of not closing a branch in a town where it is the only bank, we will encourage all customers of Ulster Bank to switch to its competitors. If Ulster Bank leaves rural Ireland, rural Ireland will leave Ulster Bank.”

Chief Executive of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland said we were witnessing the systematic disrobing of villages and towns around the country.

“The cumulative effect of bank closures, post office closures, garda stations and other services is devastating on remaining small businesses. With these institutions go the employees, the related spending power and the very life that keeps communities vibrant. It is good to see Ferbane making a stand.”

President of the IFA Eddie Downey said it was not acceptable to close this branch and expect the customers to travel over 20km to the nearest branch in Athlone.

“The Government cannot stand idly by and deprive rural Ireland of essential services. A banking service that allows businesses to develop and grow is essential and the Government is in a position to help address this issue.

“The community of West Offaly cannot be left without a bank,” he said.