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10th December 2001
MacManus calls on major banks to follow Ulster Bank and end their policy of closing branches in rural areas
Sinn Fein Alderman Seán MacManus today welcomed the commitment from Ulster Bank to Irish Rural Link that they are to maintain their existing branch network. Alderman MacManus called on the other major banks to follow suit and to bring an end to their policy of closing branches in rural Ireland. Alderman MacManus said:
``Over the last number of years we have seen all of the major banks close branches throughout the country without any thought to the communities from which they make their profits. Banks have a wider financial role to play in terms of investing in communities and by closing branches they are ignoring this responsibility.
``We all know that bank closures in rural Ireland have a detrimental impact on the very survival of small communities. Access to financial services is essential if we are to re-build communities devastated by years of government neglect.
``I want to call on the other major banks to follow suit and to bring an end to their policy of closing branches in rural Ireland.''
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