Achill Islanders preparing for this year's tourist season face the prospect of renewed financial headaches over the absence of either a permanent bank or an automatic teller machine (ATM) on the island.
Banking services in Achill have for many years been carried out on an ad-hoc basis, with travelling branches attached to the main banks going to the island at intervals. This system, however, has two problems: islanders must always plan their financial transactions well in advance, and tourists visiting the area are unaware of the system and often find themselves without cash.
Because of this, many visitors have been lost to the area as they travel up to 50 miles to either Castlebar or Westport to reach a fixed banking facility.
"Taking into account a permanent population of 3,500 people and a possible 9,000 residents in Achill at peak tourist time, the provision of one ATM machine here would be economically viable," said the chairman of Mayo County Council and Achill native, Cllr Pat Kilbane.
The tourism manager with Achill Tourism, Ms Sinead Ni Mhaille, said, while islanders highlighted the need for a permanent ATM, the community would be happy with such a facility for just the three busy tourist months.
"Last summer I worked in the Bord Failte tourist office in Achill, and every day we had inquiries as to where people could get cash. One couple had cycled 100 miles on a round trip from Belmullet to find there was no way they could access cash. They had to cycle another 50 to get to the nearest bank."
With the estimated outlay for the installation of an ISDN line for an ATM costing between £30,000 to £50,000, in addition to estimated annual operating costs of £30,000, it is understandable why financial institutions have been reluctant to invest in such a facility on Achill. However, even with the travelling banks, problems also arise for tourists who find that their plastic cards from other financial institutions are not acceptable.
A possible solution does exist, according to Mr Frank Greene, manager of the AIB branch in Castlebar. He said advances in plastic money transactions have brought about an easier method of accessing cash, the Lasercard. This card, promoted worldwide, is attached directly to customers' current accounts and enables them to withdraw money at any shop, service or other such outlet which provides the facility. In effect, it is a convenient replacement for a cheque book.