27 March 2017
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
File photo of Kevin O’Keeffe TD
Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East, Kevin O’Keeffe, has said that the town of Fermoy been “dealt a body blow” following the decision of Ulster Bank to close its branch there.
The Fermoy branch is one of 22 Ulster Bank branches across the country are due to close between June and September of this year.
“The town has suffered a lot in the past 10 years, and while in recent months, things have improved, this closure is a body blow to the town.
“Many local residents and business owners have been in touch and are deeply concerned about their future banking needs.
“The proposed closure of the Ulster Bank branch will leave just two banks operating in the town, reducing competition.
“The decision to close the branch in Fermoy will leave many personal and business customers in the lurch, scrambling to make alternative banking arrangements.
“The farming community in the north Cork area will be particularly hit hard by this closure.
“Many of their banking needs cannot be dealt with over the phone or online. For them, using the branch is the best use of their time, and this closure will, I believe, adversely affect their business.
“I am also concerned about his this decision will affect older people, many of whom are not up to speed with online banking. They prefer to speak to a person face to face,” concluded O’Keeffe.
