Closure of AIB branches in two south Meath towns

The decision of Allied Irish Bank to close two of its Meath branches - Dunshaughlin and Dunboyne - has been met this week with widespread criticism from business and political interests in both towns. The bank said that the closures of 45 sub branches and the amalgamation of six branches from this October is being done as part of a wide review of its retail operations and a cost-cutting programme currently underway. It claims that changes in population and customer banking usage as well as improvements in technology have led to a fall in demand for "traditional" bank services. However, the move met with wide disapproval this week. Independent Cllr Brian Fitzgerald condemned the move, saying that AIB did not appear to recognise that Dunboyne and Dunshaughlin were part of the Greater Dublin Area. "If this is the way it is going to run its affairs, it is no wonder that it is in the trouble that it is in," he said. To read the full story see this week's Meath Chronicle.