Bank of Ireland launches an Irish language option on 800 Retailer ATMs

Senator Rónán Mullen made the very first retailer ATM withdrawal ‘as gaeilge’ at Galway’s SuperValu store in Coill Rua, Indreabhán. Bank of Ireland was the first bank to introduce an Irish language option on its standard ATMs and announces today (Wednesday, 15th October 2008) that it has commenced the installation of an Irish language option on all of its 800 “Retailer” ATMs across the country.

Bank of Ireland installed Ireland’s very first ATM in 1980 at Stillorgan, Co Dublin and the first “Retailer” ATM in Santry, Dublin in 2002. Today the Bank is the market leading ATM provider in Ireland with over 1,300 devices nationwide, including 800 ATMs in retail outlets. In addition, Bank of Ireland’s expansion into the UK market has seen the installation of 1,400 ATMs in the UK Post Office making it one of the fastest growing ATM networks in Europe.

Commenting on today’s announcement Senator Rónán Mullen welcomed the new bilingual service. He said: “It is important that people in rural locations like Indreabhán enjoy the same level of service as people in more urban centres. The rollout of an Irish language option on ATM machines will be appreciated not just in Gaeltacht areas but also throughout the country. Bank of Ireland was the first to introduce an Irish language option on ATM machines in banks and it’s good to see the service being extended now to include the retailer machines, especially in more rural areas where people are more reliant on a local ATM service.”

Commenting on the announcement, Ger Moffat, Head of Group ATMs, Bank of Ireland said: “This Irish language initiative is in response to customer requests and our success is based on listening to our customers. We are proud of our market leading ATM service, particularly with the innovative “Retailer” model that provides customers with access to cash at convenient locations throughout the country, both urban and rural. Today’s announcement brings a welcome addition to the service for the Irish speaking communities throughout the country and we believe will help promote our native language.

The deployment of retailer ATMs is a growing phenomenon across the world and one that Bank of Ireland is committed to leading both here in Ireland and in the UK. The retailer ATMs have proven benefits to the retailers as they increase store footfall and spend and can be used by holders of all major debit and credit cards to access cash in a secure environment”, he added.

ENDS 15th October, 2008

For further information contact:

Mary Brennan
Group Corporate Communications
Bank of Ireland
Tel: 01 6043838
E:Mary_C.Brennan@boimail.com

Notes to Editor:

Bank of Ireland’s retail ATM device was designed for retail locations where space is at a premium. It is a slimline device requiring only 4 square feet of floor space, 7 feet space in height, a 3 pin electric point and a dedicated phone line. The machines are purpose built to ensure the highest security standards and at installation retailers are fully trained in all day-to-day security aspects, operation and management of the machine. A help desk provides post-installation support.

Bank of Ireland’s experience to date in introducing and expanding its retail ATM network has illustrated the appetite that exists amongst retailers to enhance their service offering. As the first Irish bank to present retailers with the opportunity to install an in-store ATM , Bank of Ireland is achieving its goal of retaining and improving core banking services throughout the country. The Bank has demonstrated its commitment and capability in terms of forging and building progressive relationships with retailers in both urban and rural Ireland. This is reflected in the number of retail ATMs which have been deployed in rural areas, which account for 47% of the total number of new ATMs to date.

Retailers wishing to find out more Bank of Ireland Retail ATM opportunities should contact the Bank of Ireland’s Retail ATM Team on1890 365 955 or email 365cash@boimail.com.