Along with almost 90 branches throughout Ireland, including two other Kerry offices, in Killorglin and IT Tralee, the shocking but not unexpected news of the closure of the Castleisland branch of the Bank of Ireland became official in May 2021.
Speculation has been rife since the day the branch actually closed, in October 2021, as to beneficial and possible uses the unique old building could be put to if it could be secured for the community. For a community it has been so much part of and played a vital role in for an association of over 140 years as both The National Bank and Bank of Ireland.
Clarification Sought by Cathaoirleach Fitzgerald
Now, at the March meeting of the Castleisland Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald asked for clarification as to whether or not Kerry County Council was pursuing the purchase of the former Bank of Ireland premises on Main Street Castleisland.
“I was glad to read in the reply that the council is currently engaged with the vendors of the property in the sale process for this building,” said Cllr. Fitzgerald.
“The purchase of the building is something I have pursued having investigated it since the closure of the bank was announced in May 2021 and raising it formally at a council meeting in early summer 2021,” he continued.
Used on a Daily Basis
“The site has adequate space for office accommodation by Kerry County Council and it would be great to see the building being staffed and used on a daily basis. This would bring much needed business to the shops in Castleisland.
Complementing this is the potential the building has as a local history and tourist information centre.
“The purchase of the building by Kerry County Council would give this dream a great chance to exist. So much could be recognised and celebrated in this building.
Con Houlihan, Patrick O’Keeffe and More
“Castleisland has a huge story to tell including chapters such as Con Houlihan, rugby; athletics, musical traditions of Sliabh Luachra and Patrick O’Keeffe and the castle to name but a small few.
“An active tourist centre in Castleisland would draw the visitor to our area. The recently upgraded viewing point at Glensharoon is one step in this process.
“The opening of a tourist centre in the town would be another step to attracting the visitor to Castleisland with it’s beautiful walks and surrounds and hinterland.
Pursuing the Purchase
“I have actively encouraged Kerry County Council to pursue the purchase of this building and hope
that Bank of Ireland will see the benefits this project could have on the centre of Castleisland town and on its people into the future,” said an optimistic Cllr. Fitzgerald.
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