LAST UPDATE | 15 Aug 2023

Updated 16 August, 11.15am 

GARDAÍ ACROSS THE country have been directed to clear queues and to close access to ATMs after rumours spread online that people were able to withdraw more money than they had available in their Bank of Ireland (BOI) accounts.

Large queues formed at ATMs across the country on Tuesday evening after reports that people could withdraw up to €1,000 in cash for free following a glitch with BOI’s online services.

But in a statement later on Tuesday evening, BOI explained that this was not the case.

The bank warned that any cash withdrawals would be debited to customers’ accounts, even if individuals were able to withdraw above the normal limit of their account. 

“We would like to remind customers that if they transfer or withdraw funds – including over their normal limits – this money will be debited from their account,” a BOI spokesperson said.

“While we are conscious customers may not be able to check their balance at this time, they should not withdraw or transfer funds if they are likely to become overdrawn.”

After rumours about the glitch circulated and queues formed at a number of ATMs across the country, gardaí began to clear people from some ATMs on foot of a directive by Garda command and control centres in three regions.

It is understood the initial information was given to stations in the Western region, before similar calls were made in other regions. 

In some instances, gardaí blocked access to ATMs, with images online showing members stationed outside certain bank machines.

On Wednesday morning, a garda spokesperson said the decisions around access and dispersals of queues at ATMs were made locally – and that the direction from command and control centres was to ensure public safety and public order. 

Earlier on Tuesday, the bank apologised to customers after its online services encountered a technical problem.

The issue meant that online banking customers could not access their accounts on the BOI app or website, or via phone banking.

“We are aware that customers using our mobile app and 365Online are currently experiencing difficulties,” a spokesperson said in an earlier statement.

“We are working to fix this issue as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused. We will update here once service is restored.” 

It is understood that Gardaí are handling the situation at ATMs across the country on a case by case basis overnight. 

A spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána are aware of an unusual volume of activity at some ATM machines across the country.”

“An Garda Síochána are also aware of issues relating to certain financial institutions today.

“An Garda Síochána will remind people of their personal responsibility in carrying out their personal banking,” they added. 

- Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan and Niall O’Connor.