EBS Building Society has introduced restrictions on its cash withdrawal facilities, effective from the beginning of this month. The minimum cash withdrawal at counters is now £30 (€38) and the maximum on demand is now £1,000. Mr Pat Farrell, head of marketing at EBS, explained that the change was introduced to bring down the high number of banking transactions dealt with by retail outlets. The building society has been reviewing in-branch transactions and withdrew foreign exchange services last year.

"We are a mortgage and savings institution and we want to increase the level of service for all customers," he said. If a customer gives a day's notice for a withdrawal greater than £1,000, they will be facilitated. The building society is promoting withdrawing cash using ATMs.