New high security ATM for Cootehill

The recent smash and grab digger raid on the ATM machine at the Bank of Ireland in Cootehill is now but a distant memory, with the news this week that a new high-security ATM machine has been installed. State-of-the-art technology has been used in this new ATM, specifically designed to frustrate the hole in the wall gangs. The new manager at the Cootehill branch, Eamon McMahon told The Anglo-Celt that he was "absolutely delighted to have the ATM facility back at the bank. It is a great start to the new year and we expedited the work to ensure it was up and running as soon as possible". Mr. McMahon said that security features were paramount before and during the installation of the new purpose built machine. "Security is our number one concern together with looking after the people of Cootehill," he said. When asked if the Bank of Ireland is up for lending to small businesses in the Cootehill area, Mr McMahon said: "We are open for business and we urge people to come in and talk to us. We love to see people coming through our doors and I would like to think that we will look after them well." John Teeling from Environgrean who worked on the restoration of the wall and the installation of the new ATM revealed that it was reinstated to such a high standard that anyone contemplating a similar smash and grab raid "would literally have to take half the building with them. It is definitely good and secure now". The chairman of Cootehill Town Council, Michael McCarey, told The Anglo-Celt said it was great news to see a new high security ATM machine installed at the Bank of Ireland. "It illustrates the commitment of the Bank of Ireland to Cootehill." Significant investment He added that this is significant in view of the fact that some other banks are examining their situation in relation to retail branches. "After the raids took place here in the town, we got a commitment from both the Bank of Ireland and the Ulster Bank to replace the machines as quickly as possible. The Bank of Ireland machine is in place and I know that the Ulster Bank is proceeding to install a new machine, which is all positive for the town," said Cllr. McCarey. The mayor also revealed that the local credit union has an ATM machine in place and it has not yet been commissioned. When it is up and running, the town will be well served with ATMs. He complimented the business people of the town for the manner in which they stepped up to the plate to facilitate shoppers over the festive season and right through January with cash back. The ATM in Foy's SuperValu was also widely used. Michael McCarey welcomed upbeat message from the new Bank of Ireland manager, Eamon McMahon. He added that it is vital that small businesses and indeed all businesses have cash facilities available to them. "That is good news and I hope all the other banks will be doing the same thing."