News
Time to up cash usage to prevent talk of bank closures in the future- Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae
Cllr Jackie Healy Rae has urged people to use more cash in their day-to-day dealings in order to prevent any thoughts that banks might have to reduce services in rural areas
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Last week the AIB bank reversed plans under public pressure to close up to 70 branches throughout Ireland, mostly in rural areas admitting that they were “recognising the customer and public unease that this [planned closures] has caused.”
In recent times there has been a 36% decline in cash withdrawals from ATMs and a 50% fall in cheque usage over the past five years. AIB revealed that they also saw a fall of almost 50% in branch over-the-counter teller transactions, while mobile and online payments have increased by 85% in that same timeframe.
“Small businesses, local community groups and even GAA clubs all need cash bank transactions to see them through their daily or weekly businesses and people literally have the choice in their own hands to use more cash to prevent banks from making further plays in the future at closing down branches,” Cllr Healy Rae said.
“We all saw how quickly telephone kiosks were removed from rural Ireland when we were not watching and the amount of ATM cash machines are declining each day from small towns and villages and we still have the ability in our hands to influence this.”
TFI Anseo demand-responsive transport pilot extended
The National Transport Authority (NTA) and TFI Local Link Kerry have announced an extension of the TFI Anseo pilot service in Killarney following a successful first year of operation.
Funded through the Climate Action Fund as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, the demand-responsive bus service has supported over 82,000 passenger journeys since launching on August 11, 2025. The extension will allow the service to continue operating while a final evaluation report is compiled for December 2026.
The pilot allows passengers to book flexible trips for work, healthcare appointments, shopping, and social visits across the Killarney area.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien welcomed the extension, stating:
“I am very pleased to see the TFI Anseo pilot service being extended following its highly successful first year. The sheer number of passenger journeys recorded shows that the local community have embraced this innovative service, which truly puts the passenger at the heart of the journey. Extending the pilot allows us to continue learning how to provide practical transport solutions that encourage sustainable and inclusive travel.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, noted that local feedback from business owners and residents demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in demand-responsive transport for rural communities.
NTA CEO Anne Shaw confirmed the pilot has operated within budget while providing key insights into future rural public transport. Over the autumn months, the NTA will conduct customer satisfaction surveys to gather further feedback from local passengers.
RTÉ News appoints new Cork and Kerry reporter
RTÉ News has announced that Barry Gallagher will take up the role of regional news journalist for Cork, Kerry, and the wider Southern region starting this August.
Gallagher will work alongside RTÉ News’ Southern Editor Paschal Sheehy, reporting across television, radio, online, and social media platforms. He succeeds veteran broadcaster Jennie O’Sullivan, who retired in May following a 25-year reporting career with RTÉ in the region.
Gallagher joined RTÉ in 2023 as a presenter for news2day before moving on to report across flagship programs, including the Six One News, Nine O’Clock News, and Morning Ireland. His coverage has spanned major national stories, including the 2024 Olympic Games, All-Ireland Hurling Finals, and Storm Chandra.
Originally from Gartan, County Donegal, Gallagher studied journalism at D
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