The building in question used to be a Bank of Ireland branch, but as BOI had two branches in Mullingar they consolidated most of their operations to the Pearse street branch and sold the Oliver Plunkett st. branch to the bauld (or bald) Donie in '98. The business banking unit continued to occupy offices on the first floor of the Oliver Plunkett premises (presumably rented from Donie).
The remainder of the building has since then operated as the Belvedere Institute a two bit grind school and evening course provider.
No idea what is happening (or has happened) to the Institute now that the Bank of Ireland are moving back in.
How nice it is for Donie that he is getting a blue chip tenant, presumably on a long lease, at a time when there is an abundance of vacant retail space in the town. And of course I’m sure it’s entirely coincidental that all this is happening at a time that the BOI is getting such a leg up from the Government.
Personally I haven’t seen any problems with the functioning of the Pearse st. branch in the last 12 years but who am I to judge being only a lowly customer who doesn’t realise I am being badly served by it.
You are obviously an An Taisce West Brit Volvo-driving D4 begrudger, who never goes outside the M50.
This is a huge boost for Mullingar. Plus the premises the Bank of Ireland are vacating will be an ideal hub for pizzas, toy recycling, eco-coffin wholesaling, cut-price butchers, wedding dress-hire or a casino. Carlow’s difficulty is Mullingar’s opportunity.
Is there anything on Earth as devoid of substance as Irish local papers?
