Deputy Feighan said it was difficult to understand the rationale behind some of the bank s decisions.
Feighan outlined in particular the bank s decision to close two in South Sligo. It is difficult to understand the rationale behind some of the decisions particularly closing their two in the South Sligo area and the closure of Manorhamilton in the second largest town in Leitrim and again the closure of Bundoran which leaves people in that hinterland without Bank of Ireland services.
The deputy also raised concern in relation to SMEs and retail businesses across the constituency. I am concerned that many SMEs and retail business in vast parts of my constituency will now not have personal relationships with their local bank which is worrying.
While virtually all sectors of society have been adversely affected during the course of the pandemic, those in full-time education have experienced a very challenging year since last March,
The importance of education in society has only been further underlined during the course of the last 12 months.
Since the onset of Covid-19, much of the focus surrounding restrictions has been on keeping schools open in a safe manner for students all around the country at both primary and secondary level. There have also been major challenges for third level institutions.
It has been a period involving a lot of consideration, thought and planning for teachers and students around the country, as they attempt to chart a way of continuing their education and sitting exams even in midst of a global pandemic.
It was noteworthy how only last week when reporting on the winding down of the Ulster Bank operations which will include its Sligo branch, how people had been travelling in from Ballymote and Tubbercurry to do their business there.
The announcement of the closure of Bank of Ireland s branches in Tubbercurry and Ballymote has been described as a nail in the coffin of rural towns .
On Monday morning Bank of Ireland announced it is to close 88 of its branches nationwide, with the two South Sligo towns included in the closures, along with Manorhamilton, Bundoran and Drumshanbo.
In what has been described as changes to branch services , the branches will close from September. A new partnership with An Post is planned to provide banking services locally to Bank of Ireland customers.
The news has been met with shock, with many people describing it as a devastating blow for the communities of Tubbercurry and Ballymote especially.
It s difficult not to feel great sympathy for the people of South Sligo who seem to be suffering more than most over the past while.
As if the N17 wasn t bad enough to have to put up with - the speed limit on the main route from Galway to Sligo has been slapped with an 80kph zone in places.
It s a clear recognition by the authorities, be it the Road Safety Authority or the County Council that it just isn t safe anymore.
It has no hard shoulders and is full of hidden dips, bad bends and a poor enough surface despite the best efforts of the Council.