Delegation presses on closure of local bank

A delegation from Mid Ulster Council met with senior Bank of Ireland officials this week to voice concerns following the bank’s announcement on March 1 that it will close 15 branches, including its Dungannon branch.
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Council Chair, Councillor Cathal Mallaghan led the delegation in expressing deep concerns and disappointment with the decision to senior officials in Bank of Ireland. The deputation sought further clarity on the context for the decision to reduce its branch network. It concluded by asking for a reconsideration of the closure.

Councillor Mallaghan said, “We welcomed the opportunity to put Council’s concerns in the strongest possible terms to the Bank of Ireland. To have this service withdrawn is a blow for Dungannon town centre and for local people, particularly for older people and those from surrounding rural areas who can’t rely on decent broadband for access to online banking and so, do rely on being able to visit a branch.”

He continued, “The timing couldn’t be worse, when we need to be revitalising our town and village centres which have been so hard-hit by the pandemic, and addressing the social isolation felt by many in our communities at this time.”

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