Cash desk to be removed from Permanent TSB in Cavan

The cash desk facility at the Cavan Town branch of Permanent TSB is set to be removed from May 10 as more customers opt to do their transactions online,The Anglo-Celtcan reveal.

The bank has informed customers in Cavan this week that it will become a “fully automated cash and digital experience and there will no longer be a physical cash desk”.

The news comes as a further blow to traditional banking customers in Cavan and follows announcements in recent weeks by Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland. Ulster Bank is withdrawing from the Irish market gradually over the next three years with its remaining branches in the county - in Cavan Town, Ballyjamesduff and Ballyconnell set to close. Meanwhile, Bank of Ireland has announced the closure of branches this September in Cootehill, Kingscourt and Arva as part of a nationwide restructuring programme.

It had been reported that Permanent TSB was looking at acquiring some Ulster Bank branches for its retail network.

PTSB confirmed to theCeltthis week: “The changes to our branch network are not related to any discussions with Ulster Bank.”

In the press statement, the bank’s retail director, Patrick Farrell, stated that Permanent TSB is committed to maintaining its 76-strong branch network. He confirmed an investment programme costing €5M in branches in the coming weeks.

“The bank has also introduced quick banking machines into 44 branches, including Cavan, which will automate cash transactions and free staff to support customers.

“With the exception of coins, these machines can handle all the cash transactions that you associate with a cash desk but now the staff member can come out from behind the desk to work directly with customers,” explained Mr Farrell.

“The bank is also increasing the amount of digital support available for customers and staff within branches with greater use of iPads and digital advisors connecting customers with specialist personal and business banking support. It has also completed a staff training programme to support a more customer facing role for staff in branches,” he added.

Mr Farrell said the key to safeguarding branches was to allow them to evolve. “Branches will change but they don’t have to disappear. We believe they are still a vital part of our business model and the key to safeguarding their future is to make them efficient and give customers valid reasons for using them. That’s less about cash in this day-and-age and more about digital services and in-person support and that’s what we are doing with these changes,” he said.

In a letter sent to customers in Cavan seen by The AngloCelt, the bank states: ‘We’ve listened to our customers and over the last number of years we have seen more and more customers move towards use of our digital channels and a significant reduction in over the counter cash transactions in our branches. In response to this shift in our customers’ behaviour, we are converting some of our branches to become a fully automated cash and digital experience, as well as continuing to invest in our digital capabilities.’

Cavan PTSB customers will still be able to lodge cash via the quick bank machine, withdraw up to €1,500 in cash per day, check recent transactions and pay money into your Permanent TSB credit card.

Customers will be able to order bank drafts, as this service will continue to be carried out by the team in the branch.

However, if your want to lodge coins or pay your mortgage over the counter, you will need to go to your closest branch that has a cash desk facility, which is Mullingar, Navan or Dundalk.