Assembly Finance Committee Visits Kilkeel Banking Hub, Highlighting Vital Community Servicexa0
The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Finance Committee visited the Kilkeel Banking Hub on Wednesday, 2 April 2025, to witness first-hand the essential services it provides to the local community.
Opened in November 2023 by Cash Access UK, the Kilkeel hub was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and has become a vital resource for residents and businesses.
The visit included presentations and discussions with Lesley Wilson, Regional Manager of Cash Access UK, hub operators, and representatives from Ulster Bank, Barclays, AIB, and Bank of Ireland.
The Committee observed the hub’s daily operations, which serve an average of over 50 customers, and learned about the positive impact it has had on the community.
Finance Committee Deputy Chair Diane Forsyth MLA said:xa0“The Kilkeel Banking Hub demonstrates the critical role that shared banking spaces play in maintaining access to cash and providing essential financial services.
“The Committee was impressed by the hub’s efficiency and the positive feedback from local residents and businesses”.
“Cash remains essential for millions of people, and banking hubs provide a vital lifeline in communities where traditional bank branches have closed.xa0
“We are grateful to Cash Access NI for hosting today’s event so we could learn more about this important issue”.xa0
Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit organization funded by major banks, has opened 144 banking hubs across the UK, with 224 recommended in total. In Northern Ireland, there are now seven operational hubs, with a new hub recently recommended for Larne.
The success of the Kilkeel hub underscores the importance of maintaining access to cash and financial services in local communities. Cash Access UK is planning a communications campaign in Northern Ireland to help people better understand the services banking hubs provide to individuals and businesses.
Key highlights from the visit include:
- The hub’s counter services, operated by the Post Office, allow customers of all major banks to conduct regular cash transactions.
- Community bankers from various banks rotate daily, offering personalized assistance with complex banking issues.
About Cash Access UK:
Cash Access UK is dedicated to protecting access to cash across the UK. Funded by major banks, it provides shared banking services in communities where they are needed most.
