Widespread backlash after Bank of Ireland announces closure of 103 branches

The Bank of Ireland branch in Cobh, Co Cork, one of 103 branches which are due to shut their doors permanently later this year. A wide range of political, trade union, and business representatives, and civic advocates, are protesting the planned closures. Picture: Dan Linehan

Business and consumer groups, rural development advocates, trade unions, and a senior Government politician have warned that the decision by Bank of Ireland to shut 103 branches has plunged Irish banking further into crisis and have called on the lender to think again.

Bank of Ireland, which is 14% owned by the Government, plans to close 88 branches and keep 169 branches open in the Republic, and close 15 branches and keep only 13 outlets open in the North. It blamed automation and the reduced number of customers using the branches for the decision, saying it has struck a new agreement with An Post for customers to make bank transactions.