Charlestown suffered another body blow recently with the announcement of the closure of the Bank of Ireland branch on Main street as part of the bank’s downsizing strategy.
The bank has long been an integral part of the business network of the town stretching back the best part of 80 years and more and provided a crucial artery for businesses and private citizens as a place to deposit their money and conduct their financial dealings in a safe and regulated domain. The bank’s loss represents another mortal blow to the town and its people and is yet another example of rural Ireland bearing the brunt of a bank’s decision to pull the plug which leaves a gaping hole in the financial landscape of the town.
All manner of reasons have been trotted out by the suits with the switch to online banking being proffered as one of the main reasons behind their decision. The town is still reeling from the news as another vacant property blights the landscape of Main Street as people face up to the stark reality of having to travel to conduct their financial dealings which is yet another imposition on a town that has had so much to contend with in the last decade or so.
A sad day for the town and one which provoked lots of angry debate and commentary but one which the people will have to get used to as another pillar shut its doors for the last time after a long and proud association with the community.