There’s been widespread shock and disappointment to the revelations that Bank of Ireland is shutting 88 branches in the Republic.
15 more are being closed in the North with the closures due to come into effect by the end of September.
Bank of Ireland announces which branches will be closed in Northern Ireland 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/99C99MzvG6
— Richard Morgan (@BBCRichardM) March 1, 2021
Bank of Ireland says the closures are down to a rise in digital services.
Around 200 people work in these branches and the bank says staff will be relocated and will be no compulsory redundancies.
In total 16 branches across Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary and Clare will shut their doors.
The branches shutting in Limerick are:
- Abbeyfeale
- Askeaton
- Bruff
- Caherdavin
- Rathkeale
- Roxboro
- University of Limerick
In Kerry they are:
- Castleisland
- Kilorglin
- Tralee IT
Three branches in Tipperary will also shut:
- Templemore
- Cahir
- Cashel
The same number will cease to operate in Clare:
- Kilkee
- Miltown Malbay
- Tulla
💰 Full list of Bank of Ireland branch closures:
1/2 pic.twitter.com/TI4o898daC
— Ben Finnegan (@_BenFinnegan) March 1, 2021
Group CEO of Bank of Ireland Frances McDonagh says the banking model has radically changed.
"When you move to Spotify or Netflix you don't go back to CDs or DVDs."
"Branches are important but we're just seeing the demand for them reduce."
Meanwhile, SIPTU has described the decision as a complete bolt out of the blue.
While the Financial Services Union says the closures are shameful and an act of betrayal to loyal staff and customers.
