Bank of Ireland has been widely criticised by Cavan Councillors after its decision to close a number of branches in the county.
The decision was described as 'deplorable' and 'very sneaky' at yesterday's meeting of the local authority.
Bank of Ireland branches in Cootehill, Kingscourt and Arva are among those to close later this year.
Councillors were unanimous in their criticism, with many raising concerns about the knock on effect on local communities.
Fianna Fáil's Seán Smith said the decision showed 'no regard' for local communities and people had been let down by the banking sector.
Fine Gael's Madeline Argue labelled the decision a 'disgrace' and that banks aren't 'showing much gratitude' in light of the bank bailout.
There were also calls for the bank buildings to be either handed to the state or local communities or bought by the state for community use.
Councillor Peter McVitty called for local communities to be allowed to take over the buildings, while Councillor Shane P O'Reilly said administration jobs within banks should be 'decentralised' from Dublin to the former branches in rural areas to support local communities.
