Union objects to Bank of Ireland branch closures in North

A row has broken out between the Financial Services Union (FSU) and Bank of Ireland over plans to close eight of the bank’s 36 branches in the North.

Branches in Castlereagh, Draperstown, Antrim, Belleek, Castlederg, Newtownards, Maghera, and Belfast are earmarked for closure, though the City Hall branch will house a new outlet to service business startups.

The bank said the closures were required as more of its customers were banking online. More than 50 staff would be offered the chance to transfer, redeploy, or apply for voluntary redundancy. Business in the Republic would not be affected.