Leitrim councillor calls for funding stream to enable communities to purchase former bank properties Proposal for former banks to be converted into rural working office hubs which would also allow communities to maintain ATM services in towns. Reporter: 10 May 2021 Cllr Felim Gurn, Cllr Sean McDermott and Cllr Frank Dolan, are pictured at the Bank of Ireland ATM in Manorhamilton Picture: James Molloy '); '); Independent councillor, Felim Gurn has put forward a proposal that the Government develop a funding scheme through local authorities to allow local groups to negotiate with banks to purchase defunct properties. Referring specifically to the situation in Manorhamilton and Drumshanbo where Bank of Ireland intends to close branches in September this year, Cllr Gurn said that many groups in these areas possess the experience and drive to develop this buildings for the benefit of the community, but funding the purchase of these properties remains an issue.