BREAKING: Moate and AIT among Bank of Ireland branches to close
Two Bank of Ireland branches in this region are to close, it has been confirmed.
Branches in Moate and at AIT are among the 88 in the Republic and 103 across the island to close.
Earlier this morning, the bank announced the move and said the branches concerned would close by the end of September.
Since then it has confirmed the branches to staff and a full list of branches to close has been published.
Other branches in this region to close include Clara, Banagher and Kinnegad.
Ballymahon and Ballinasloe branches are not among those earmarked for closure.
As a result of the closures, the bank's branch network in the Republic of Ireland will be reduced by 88 leaving 169, while 15 Northern Ireland branches will close, leaving 13. Bank of Ireland said it had agreed a new partnership with An Post which will offer Bank of Ireland customers banking services at more than 900 locations across Ireland.
The Bank of Ireland building in Moate has served as a bank since the 1850s and the recent closure announcement has been criticised by local TD and Minister of State Robert Troy.
“This announcement by Bank of Ireland was hugely disappointing for the people and business community of Moate. We have seen over the past number of years a great vibrancy in the town with a number of new businesses opening their doors which have received great support from the local community. The decision by Bank of Ireland to close this branch is, in my view extremely short sighted and in no way reflects the huge potential for growth that currently exists in Moate”.
“Though I fully appreciate that this is commercial decision made by Bank of Ireland it is non the less a huge blow for the population of the greater Moate area and the business community of the town to receive the news that it will now be left without a financial institution entirely.
I will be raising this matter with the Minister for Finance in the Dáil, and seeking clarification on the level of engagement which the Minister has had with Bank with regard to the flexibility of this decision.
“On the positive note it is welcome that a deal has been reached with An Post to provide cash services through its branch in the town which will help many BOI customers through the upcoming period. Undoubtedly though, the people of Moate will be hugely disappointed with this weeks announcement overall as it is a huge blow to a great and progressive town,” concluded Minister Troy.