The Minister for Financial Services has praised four Roscommon credit unions for their work while on a visit to the county today.
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has welcomed the introduction of ATM's outside branch offices in Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen, Elphin and Strokestown.
There is currently no on street ATM service in either Elphin or Strokestown resulting in no access to cash within these towns after retailers close for the day.
Speaking to Shannonside FM News Minister Carroll MacNeill acknowledged the importance of cash in rural communities.
The Fine Gael Representative says it plays an essential role in the financial inclusion of all groups in society.
''Look at what Roscommon Credit Unions are doing, they're rolling out ATMs and that's one of the reasons I'm here today to celebrate that. People shouldn't have to choose between digital and cash, they should be able to use both, one or the other or whatever combination they like. We are introducing legislation to make sure there will be a protected right to access and use cash. At the same time you can see through Covid the convenience the people have come to depend on their cards or their phone in increased ways and we want the credit unions to be able to provide that digital offering also.''
