The decision by Permanent TSB to close their agencies in Swinford, Ballyhaunis and Crossmolina is another body blow for small Mayo towns, said Mayo Fine Gael TD John O’Mahony.
Deputy O’Mahony said the decision to close is part of a national strategy, which has resulted in 48 agencies closing down. He said it was important to clarify that the main branches in the county will remain open.
“Everyone recognises the problems in our economy but this is yet another blow for small to medium-sized towns in Mayo. The agencies were providing a vital service in the three towns and the reality is that they were in a position to provide in the region of 80 per cent of what a main branch can provide for its customers.
“Now that vital cog has been taken away from individual account holders and business people, who will now have to leave their local town and travel to one of the larger branches to carry out their business.
“While no one is trying to play down the losses to the communities of Ballyhaunis and Swinford, the decision to close the agency in Crossmolina is particularly poignant as it follows fast on the heels of the closure of the other banks in the town and the Teagasc office. It’s another major body blow for the people and it can’t continue. There just cannot be a constant haemorrhage of services from those areas and there is a need for some initiative here, where instead of closing services down and running away from the problems, we have to face up to them and tackle them head on,” he said.
