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The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Finance Committee visited the Kilkeel Banking Hub this week to witness first-hand the essential services it provides to the local community.
The hub’s counter services, operated by the Post Office, allow customers of all major banks to conduct regular cash transactions and community bankers from various banks rotate daily, offering personalised assistance with complex banking issues.
Opened in November 2023 by Cash Access UK, the Kilkeel hub was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and has become a vital resource for residents and businesses.
The visit on 2 April included presentations and discussions with Lesley Wilson, Regional Manager of Cash Access UK, hub operators, and representatives from Ulster Bank, Barclays, AIB, and Bank of Ireland.
The Committee observed the hub’s daily operations, which serve an average of over 50 customers, and learned about the positive impact it has had on the community.
Finance Committee Deputy Chair Diane Forsyth MLA said: “The Kilkeel Banking Hub demonstrates the critical role that shared banking spaces play in maintaining access to cash and providing essential financial services.
“The Committee was impressed by the hub’s efficiency and the positive feedback from local residents and businesses”.
“Cash remains essential for millions of people, and banking hubs provide a vital lifeline in communities where traditional bank branches have closed.
“We are grateful to Cash Access NI for hosting today’s event so we could learn more about this important issue”.
Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit organisation funded by major banks, has opened 144 banking hubs across the UK, with 224 recommended in total. In NI there are now seven operational hubs, with a new hub recently recommended for Larne.
The success of the Kilkeel hub underscores the importance of maintaining access to cash and financial services in local communities.
