AIB Reverses Decision to Remove Cash Services

IN news that will be some relief to local AIB customers facing round trips to Ennis or Limerick, AIB has reversed its decision to end cash services at 70 branches around the country. The Local Shannon Branch as well as branches in Ennistymon, Killaloe and Kilrush were all to have there cash handling services removed under the original plan.

The reversal of the decision follows a backlash to the move from communities, business groups, farming and rural organisations and politicians. The bank, in which the State owns a significant majority stake, said it will retain its 170-strong branch network in its entirety and will also continue to offer banking services through its relationship with An Post.

The bank said that recognising the customer and public unease that it has caused, it had decided not to proceed with the proposed changes.

“There has been a 36% decline in cash withdrawals from ATMs and a 50% fall in cheque usage over the past five years. AIB has also seen a fall of almost 50% in branch over-the-counter teller transactions, while mobile and online payments have increased by 85% in that same timeframe.

“It was in the context of this evolving banking environment and the opportunity to enhance its long- standing relationship with An Post that AIB took the decision to remove cash services from 70 of its branches.

“However, recognising the customer and public unease that this has caused, AIB has decided not to proceed with the proposed changes to its bank services.

“The bank continues to retain its 170-strong branch network in its entirety and will also continue to offer banking services through its relationship with at An Post at its 920 post offices nationwide.”