Halifax Bank of Scotland leaving Irish market

Halifax Bank of Scotland Ireland has announced it is pulling out of Ireland with the loss of 750 jobs.

The bank, which is owned by Lloyds, informed staff of its decision this afternoon.

The bank is to close 44 retail branches across the country and it is also closing its call centre in Dundalk, Co. Louth.

The bank said it will no longer be offering any products in the Irish market but exsisting mortgage holders will be catered for.

The redundancies are expected to take place between the end of May and the end of July.