Ulster Bank confirms closure of seven branches

Ulster Bank has confirmed that it is to close a further seven Irish branches, including three in Dublin and one in Cork City.

The affected branches are in Pearse Rd, Sligo; Granard; Clane; Kimmage, Dublin; Inchicore, Dublin; George’s Quay, Dublin; and South Mall, Cork.

The bank is also closing three sub-offices. All the closures will be completed by November.

An spokeswoman said: “These changes are in response to changing customer behaviours — in particular the use of mobile and online banking.

“We will be contacting customers of these branches to inform them of alternative branch locations in their area and the range of banking services available on their mobiles, online and by telephone.

“We are also communicating directly with staff in those branches and there will be no additional job losses as a result of this announcement.”

Finance union Irish Bank Officials Association said it was concerned the announcement “pre-empts to some extent” its ongoing talks with senior management over restructuring.

“Those negotiations have reached a crucial stage with the two sides agreeing to refer all unresolved issues — including proposals for branch closures — to an independent mediator, Mark Connaughton, who is due to meet the parties this week,” said IBOA general secretary Larry Broderick.

He said IBOA had also written to RBS chief executive Ross McEwan for clarification about continuing speculation over the possibility that the Republic of Ireland operation may be subsumed into a new joint venture with a private equity company.

“IBOA remains willing to continue to negotiate the terms of a comprehensive agreement on future change within Ulster Bank,” he said. “But we need a degree of transparency from management to ensure that the outcome of these negotiations offers the best possible solution for all of the bank’s stakeholders — including staff and customers.”