Villages such as Courtown aswell as other communities in North Wexford are in need of ATM machines. With the thousands of people passing through villages such as Courtown, Castletown, Kilmuckridge etc. during the summer months it is incredible that none of these areas have an ATM machine.
However, apart from the busy holiday season there is no reason why places such as Ballycanew, Ferns, Camolin, Coolgreaney, Craanford etc. should not have one also. It would make money available locally, thereby helping employment and the local economy. In addition the population of North Wexford has increased dramatically making this need all the more pressing.
I welcome the announcement by Bank of Ireland that it is to install 500 ATM facilities at non bank locations around the country. However, as many as possible should be installed in small towns and villages, rather than in shopping centres and filling stations in city suburbs.
The lack of ATMs in small towns and villages is having a negative impact both socially and economically on these communities.
Over the last 10 to 15 years, banks have closed down their branches in many small towns and villages, many of which have looked to tourism, festivals and seasonal events to bring people into them to generate income for small businesses.
I understand that the issue of locations for the new ATMs is not yet decided, and I would urge bank managers in County Wexford to use their influence within the Bank of Ireland organisation to ensure that at least some of the local villages are allocated them.
I would also strongly urge local community councils, tourism organisations and politicians to begin lobbying Bank of Ireland headquarters immediately so that rural areas in Wexford are not left out when locations for the 500 new facilities are finalised"
