Closure of bank branch 'a massive loss for AIT'

The president of the Athlone IT students' union has described the decision to close the Bank of Ireland branch on campus as "a massive loss for the students, and for AIT."

It was announced on Monday that the branch at the Institute was among the four in Westmeath, and 103 across the whole of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, that were being closed for good.

Aine Daly of the students' union said it very disappointing to lose the accessibility of having a bank branch located in the heart of the AIT campus.

"The staff there have been part of the community in AIT," she said. "It was always so accessible to be able to go in and ask any questions that you might have."

She said the branch had also been supportive in providing sponsorship for local events. "The staff were always lovely to deal with, so it's very sad to hear that they're closing."

Aine said two members of staff had previously worked at the AIT branch, but it and the other Bank of Ireland branches in third-level colleges have been closed during the Covid-19 lockdown.