STRATEGIC PARTNERS
January 9, 2003
KILLARNEY, Ireland -- The first ATM installed in an Irish pub could be shut down amid claims that it breached local planning laws, according to a report in the Irish Examiner.
The machine in McSorley's nightclub in Killarney sparked a furious reaction from local councillors who said they believed it would lead to increased drinking by young people.
(See related stories Retail ATM market heating up in Ireland and Irish ISO in middle of flap over ATM in pub)
According to the Examiner, the Killarney Town Council has asked McSorley's proprietor, John Bowler, to apply for planning permission, or else remove the ATM from the foyer of the nightclub.
Town clerk Michael O'Leary said the machine needs to be cleared by the town planners.
"The installation of the ATM is considered a change in the use of the building and you need planning permission for that," O'Leary said in the Examiner report.
Mark Roden, the managing director of Easy Cash, the independent deployer that installed the ATM, said the machine didn't need planning permission. Roden also said that his company wasn't levying any additional user fees at the ATM, per its agreement with its financial institution partner, PermanentTSB.
Bowler said he would close the ATM if a bank agreed to put a similar facility close to his premises on College Street.
