Donegal Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has described today’s closure announcement from Bank of Ireland as “the wrong decision at the worst possible time.”
Bank of Ireland branches in Bunbeg, Bundoran, Dungloe, Glenties and Moville are set to close from September, with banking services moving to local post offices.
From September, the number of Bank of Ireland branches in the State will reduce by 88.
Teachta Doherty said the closures are a huge blow for customers and staff.
He said: “It comes in the teeth of global pandemic and less than two weeks after Ulster Bank announced its withdrawal from the Southern market.
“The bank has attempted to justify this announcement based on a fall in branch visits over the past 12 months.
“This is hardly surprising given the people of Donegal have had their movements significantly restricted in response to a public health emergency.”
Bank of Ireland stated that, between 2017 and 2020, footfall at the branches which are closing dropped by 60% on average. Before COVID-19, they said branch footfall had reduced by almost a quarter over two years.
Deputy Doherty disputed the statement and said: “In reality Bank of Ireland is using COVID-19 for cover, punishing customers for following public health regulations.
“This is not just a cynical move but a slap in the face that will hurt customers, staff and communities at the worst possible time.
“This knee jerk reaction will leave vulnerable customers without access to essential services.
“How can Bank of Ireland engage with and prepare these customers for branch closures during public health restrictions?
“Why was there no consultation? No stakeholder engagement?
“Why does Bank of Ireland think it appropriate to make this announcement and close these branches in the middle of the pandemic?
“The only conclusion I can draw is that they have no regard for their customers.”
A statement from Gavin Kelly, CEO, Retail Ireland, Bank of Ireland said continuity of services has been secured locally for both personal and business customers.
Mr Kelly said:“We know changes like this can cause concern for some customers. We’re not making these changes immediately – no branches will close in the next six months. That ensures that the An Post partnership is up and running before any branches close, and we will communicate fully with all customers about every option available, in a nearby BOI branch, online or at a local post office.
“Bank of Ireland has been in business since 1783, and we have always adapted and evolved as our customer needs and preferences change. We are committed to Donegal and these changes will allow us invest in our other branches in the county as well as digital services. We will also continue to work with community groups through initiatives such as Begin Together, a €4 million investment programme providing funding for community-focused initiatives across the island of Ireland.”
