NINE local branches of Bank of Ireland in Counties Down, Antrim and Londonderry are due to close, it has been confirmed.
Kilkeel, Rathfriland, Ballyclare, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Larne, and Kilrea will all lose their local branches and the Shipquay Street and Waterside branches in Co Londonderry will close to merge with the main bank at Strand Road.
East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson expressed his disappointment at the decision to close the Larne and Carrickfergus branches in his constituency, and said he would be seeking an urgent meeting with bank management.
The Alliance councillor said: “This is a double blow for the public of East Antrim. Many people and businesses depend on having a nearby branch to be able to easily access different banking services which is now going to be made harder for my constituents with this announcement.
“The local area has already seen the closure of the Ulster Bank’s branch in Jordanstown, the Danske branch in Whitehead and we are also waiting on a decision by First Trust over more closures in the East Antrim area.
“With an ever decreasing number of branches in the area, I hope that these banks will look to ensure that there is at least some sort of adequate service available to both personal and business customers.”
The SDLP’s East Derry MLA John Dallat said people are shocked by the decision to close the Kilrea branch after more than 32 years in the town.
“(People) are bewildered and feel badly let down and I am personally disappointed that I had to hear this bad news on the radio,” said Mr Dallat. “Local people I have been speaking to since the announcement are full of praise for the staff that has served them over many years. They are gutted that this has come as a bolt out of the blue with no indication that a progressive branch was being singled out for closure.”
Sean Sheehan, Regional Manager NI, said investment has been made in other areas to provide a more modern banking service.
“To help deliver our strategy for Northern Ireland we are investing in a modern branch network that provides customers with easy access to banking services and is fully integrated with our online, phone and mobile channels,” he said. “As part of that investment, we have already opened a new branch, City Hall Branch in Belfast city centre, and upgraded nine branches,” he said.
“We also have to ensure that the network is cost-effective and fit for purpose. We understand that closing branches is disappointing for those who use them but the volume of business at the branches involved means they are not sustainable in the long term. We will continue to service those customers through larger branches which are being modernised and upgraded.”