Bank of Ireland branches in Ballyhaunis, Ballinrobe, Charlestown and Kiltimagh will not provide coin transaction services or foreign currency exchange from next week.

The bank has confirmed to Midwest News that, following a 2-month customer notification period, these four branches are adopting what’s called the “Advice & Self-Service” model, where staff will move from behind the counter onto the floor to assist customers with busing self-service machines, and accessing online banking.

Foreign currency exchange and coin transaction services will no longer be available in these branches, but Bank of Ireland says cash services will be available through the self-service options in-branch.

The bank points out that only 3% of customers transactions are now conducted over the counter, as customers are changing the way they bank.

Ballinrobe based Fianna Fáil Councillor Damien Ryan says this is an essential service that is being withdrawn, and claims it’s another attack on rural market towns.

Speaking to Midwest Radio, Councillor Ryan has called on Bank of Ireland to rescind the decision  -  even at this late stage….