Closure of Co Derry banks: Better services needed for rural communities

East Derry MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed support for a Sinn Féin amendment on the closure of rural banks.

Sinn Fein had called on the Minister to take action to encourage the banking sector to maintain a strong network of rural branches.

The call was supported by the DUP, Alliance, the Green Party and People Before Profift.

In July this year, Bank of Ireland announced it was close eight branches in across the North, including offices in Draperstown and Maghera resulting in a total of 54 staff being made redundant.

Ms Archibald (pictured) said: "Sinn Féin highlighted the impact bank closure has on rural dwellers who need to bank in-branch, for example, small business, older people or farmers; and also the negative impact in terms of footfall on local businesses, likes shops and cafes, when a bank branch closes.

“We believe banks should be more imaginative and innovative in their solutions and look at shared premises, providing a mobile premises or alternative opening hours which better suit the needs of customers.

"For users of online banking in rural areas suffering from the loss of local bank branches, there are often also limitations in broadband and mobile coverage, making it impossible for them to avail of online banking.

“In such areas which have already lost their branches, customers now have no choice but to travel to a bank for even the simplest transactions.

"It is therefore imperative to address the lack of broadband and mobile coverage in such rural areas to offer these customers the alternative of online banking where it is appropriate. This should go hand in hand with efforts to maintain a strong network of banks.”

She concluded: "It is necessary to address the general disparity in service provision for rural communities and this is something Sinn Féin will continue to highlight at every possible opportunity."