Ulster Bank had announced the closure of nine branches across Northern Ireland.
The branches impacted by the announcement are: Larne, Antrim, Ballymoney, Maghera, Holywood, Comber, Dunmurray, Warrenpoint, and Clogher.
The bank cited a change in its customers behaviours saying close to 90% of retail banking customer needs are now met digitally with around half of customers choosing to bank entirely digitally.
An Ulster Bank spokesperson said:
“As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking, because it’s faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.
“We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren’t right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind.
“We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”
The bank has also stated that all closing branches are within one mile of a free to use ATM, along with their partnership with the Post Office, customers are able to withdraw and deposit cash at any of their branches. Commenting on the closure of Ulster Bank’s Ballymoney branch, TUV North Antrim MLA Jim Allister, said:
“I am disappointed to learn that the Ballymoney branch of Ulster Bank will close at the end of September. This branch has provided an important service to the town for many years and while there is an increasing trend towards online banking there are many, particularly in the elderly population, who feel much more comfortable with the person touch which they receive in a local branch they have used for years.
“The nearest local branch will now be in Coleraine. With elderly folk often having to rely on public transport to get around this will mean that many who have grown used to doing their banking face to face will find it difficult to access a service they are comfortable with. I also obviously have concerns about the impact this will have on Ulster Bank employees.”
Branches will start to close from September 2022, with the move expected to result in 34 staff redundancies.