PUBLICANS in two Border towns have complained they are losing customs to other towns because of an absence of automated teller machines (ATMs).
The "Drinklink", as the ATMs are sometimes known, is not available in Ballybay, Co Monaghan, or Belturbet, Co Cavan. Customers who run out of cash after bank closing times have to be given drink on credit, the publicans say.
This option is not open to tourists and the publicans claim they are losing business to towns with ATMs.
Mr Pat O'Brien, owner of a pub in Ballybay, said yesterday that more than 1,000 signatures have been collected on a petition to the Bank of Ireland to install an ATM in the town. He added that a similar request is being made to the Ulster Bank in Belturbet.