Retail NI concerned by Bank of Ireland branch closures

By Liz Wells in Industry News 1st March 2021

The Bank of Ireland is to close 15 branches in Northern Ireland, which is more than half of its branches currently operating in the region.

The move is part of a wider cost-cutting exercise, which will see more than 100 branches close across Ireland.

Retail NI chief executive, Glyn Roberts, said: “Nobody can deny the significant increase of online banking, but to close so many Bank of Ireland branches in so many of our local towns and on our high streets seems a step too far.

“The closure of these 15 branches will have a negative impact on our local high streets with less footfall for nearby retailers when lockdown ends. I have also particular concerns of the impact on rural communities, with further reduced ATM provision and the ability to access cash.”

The branches set for closure are: Ballymena, Banbridge, Belfast (Lisburn Road), Belfast (Ormeau Road), Belfast (University Road), Crossmaglen, Londonderry (Strand Road), Downpatrick, Dungannon, Keady, Limavady, Lisburn, Lisnaskea, Portadown, and Strabane.