CUSTOMERS AT ULSTER Bank will now be able to donate to a number of charities through the company’s ATM network.

The Giving Scheme was launched across Ireland and Northern Ireland yesterday as part of efforts to make it easier for people to make a charitable donation.

Users can give between €1 and €250 to one of eight popular charities, including Rehab, Barnardos, the Irish Cancer Society, Concern Worldwide, the Irish Heart Foundation, Irish Hospice Foundation, Society of St Vincent de Paul and the Simon Communities of Ireland.

There will be no service charge or transaction fees on any of the donations and the ‘Donate to Charity’ option will be displayed on the same screen as other options such as ‘Cash Withdrawal’ and ‘Pay Bill’.

The Wheel, a national body representing more than 900 charities, said the scheme will be welcomed by the sector.

“We welcome any innovations that will help charities fundraise more easily and effectively,” said chief executive Deirdre Garvey. “We are delighted to see this development which gives the public a new and easy way to donate to their favourite causes.”

There are currently about 1,100 Ulster Bank ATMs nationwide.