AIB Rathkeale to remain open with limited services, – Minister confirms

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has confirmed in the Dáil that AIB Rathkeale is not to close but will operate without a cash desk going forward, thus will only offer limited normal banking functions.
The town’s Bank of Ireland (BOI) branch, along with six others across the county, closed at the weekend.
It’s understood that correspondence between BOI and Limerick City and County Council has indicated a willingness on behalf of the bank for their buildings at Abbeyfeale, Askeaton, Bruff and Rathkeale to be purchased by the local authority directly, possibly as a lot purchase. A “ball park” asking price is known to the parties.
It was strongly rumoured that AIB was to follow suit.
Addressing the issue, Minister Donohoe informed the sitting: “With regards to the AIB Rathkeale, officials in my Department have been provided with the following update from AIB:
‘The AIB branch in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick is not closing. While the branch will no longer offer over the counter cash services, the team in Rathkeale will continue to personally support and advise their customers on their financial needs, be it account opening, mortgages, business or personal loans or financial planning. The branch remains open Monday from 10am – 5pm and Tuesday – Friday from 10am to 4pm.
Through AIB’s partnership with An Post, our customers can continue to conduct the vast majority of their day to day banking transactions through their local post office, located on Thomas Street, Rathkeale. These services, available to Personal and Business customers, include cash withdrawal, cash and coin lodgements.
More banking services will become available in the Post Office from November 29th, including an ‘off counter’ facility for business customers to enable faster lodgements. These services are listed below and the Post Office has longer opening hours than the AIB branch, including Saturday opening.
The team in Rathkeale is in ongoing contact with customers about this change and to ensure any individual issues are addressed. Customers will be able to access full banking services at AIB branches in Newcastle West and also in Adare.’”
Successful businessman Seán Hennessy recently hosted a public meeting on the loss of community banking. “Our Government has the power to stop this (closing of banks),” he said. “For many years now, we rural dwellers have seen service after service taken away from us. At what stage do we say ‘Enough is Enough.’”
Mr. Hennessy confirmed that another discussion amongst locals within the coming days and that another public forum will happen shortly.