Major changes in Permanent TSB branch network

In a major move towards a digital banking model, Permanent TSB has announced that its Roscommon branch is to become fully automated from next month, while the Athlone Branch will continue to have a cash desk.

The Roscommon branch is one of 46 branches of Permanent TSB nationwide which will be converted into “fully automated cash and digital experience” models from April 19 next.

A spokesperson for Permanent TSB confirmed to the Westmeath Independent that “no changes” are due to take place at their Athlone branch, which will continue to have a cash desk.

Meanwhile, customers of the Roscommon town branch of the bank have been informed by e-mail, that “there will no longer be a physical cash desk” but customers will be able to avail of a Quick Bank Machine to carry out a number of transactions including lodging cash and cheques, withdrawing cash of up to €1,500 per day or paying money into a Permanent TSB Credit Card.

However, Roscommon customers who wish to lodge coin or pay their mortgage over the counter will have to travel to the nearest Permanent TSB Branch that has a cash desk, which is located in Athlone.

Permanent TSB has confirmed that all of its 76 branches nationwide are to remain open, and says that his latest move towards “fully automated cash and digital experiences” is in response to the evolving needs of customers.

“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,” the bank said in a statement.

It also pledged to continue to “invest in our digital capabilities.”

The move by Permanent TSB towards a more automated service of its branch, which does not include a facility to lodge coin, is another hammer blow for the local business community which is already reeling from the announcement in

March that Bank of Ireland will close two branches in the county, in Elphin and Strokestown, leaving both towns without any banking services.