Ulster Bank have today announced 22 branch closures. This will reduce the number of roles across Ulster Bank by approximately 220 during 2017.
In a statement issued to the press, the bank said they were "adapting to the changing nature of the banking and retail sectors."
As an example, they claim an average of 150 customers used the branches that are now closing in the past week, which ammounts to 30 per day. In 2016, 62% of Ulster Bank customer interactions were digital, compared to 10% in branches.
Speaking today, Ulster Bank Chief Executive, Gerry Mallon said, "Today we are announcing both restructuring and investment across our business in response to changing customer demand and as we continue to build the dynamic and innovative bank that we are becoming for our customers. We are adapting to the changing nature of the banking and retail sectors and investing to meet our customers’ evolving needs."
He added, "Closing a branch is a difficult decision which we do not take lightly, and our branch network remains an important part of how we serve our customers. However, the role of the branch continues to move toward advice and away from day-to-day transactions, with only 10% of our customer interactions now happening in branch. These changes to right-size our business mean that while we will create a number of new roles, we will reduce our number of roles across Ulster Bank by approximately 220 during 2017. We will manage these changes in line with our existing process with the FSU."
The affected branches are:
Ardara, Co Donegal
Arva, Co Cavan
Ballincollig, Co Cork
Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo
Ballymote, Co Sligo
Blackpool, Co Cork
Briarhill, Co Galway
Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan
Carrigaline, Co Cork
Castletroy, Co Limerick
Cootehill, Co Cavan
Dalkey, Co Dublin
Donnybrook, Dublin
Dorset Street, Dublin
Edenderry, Co Offaly
Edgeworthstown, Co Longford
Fermoy, Co Cork
Newcastle, Co Galway
Newcastlewest, Co Limerick
Raphoe, Co Donegal
Rathmines, Dublin
Sandyford, Dublin
Source: www.businessworld.ie
