Moynihan seeks urgent meeting with AIB chiefs

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West, Michael Moynihan, has written to AIB Chief Executive, David Duffy, seeking an urgent meeting over the planned closure of the AIB branch in Newmarket.

The bank has confirmed plans to close 67 branches nationwide including the Newmarket branch and 6 other branches across Co Cork. It also announced that it is increasing its variable interest rates by 0.5% to 3.5%.

Deputy Moynihan commented: “The people of Newmarket and the surrounding areas are in total shock at the announcement that their bank branch will close. The Newmarket branch covers huge areas in the north west of the county and to have this service taken away from customers is hugely disappointing. There is a lot of anger among people and they feel they are being punished for the recklessness of the banks.

“I have written to AIB Chief Executive, David Duffy, seeking an urgent meeting. I want to relay to him the concerns of people and I want him to explain the thinking behind this decision. I sincerely hope that Mr Duffy can accommodate me in this regard.

“Online banking has become more and more popular but customer service must remain a top priority for banks. Many people, especially elderly ones, depend on doing their banking at the local branch. It provides a social outlet for many people and to have this taken away from them is a major blow.

“Staff at the Newmarket branch must be offered re-training and other supports to allow them remain in the workplace. As a state owned bank, the Government must oversee this and ensure there are minimal job losses and disruption to customers.