AIB Branches To Close Across Ireland And NI

Nearly 70 branches of Allied Irish Banks are to close in Northern Ireland and the Republic.

The bank confirmed that 51 locations will shut up shop by the end of the year, with the remaining 16 closing in 2013.

An AIB spokeswoman insisted there would be no compulsory redundancies involved, telling the Belfast Telegraph that 346 full- and part-time staff members working in the affected branches would be "redeployed".

The company announced plans in March to lay off 2,500 staff members by the end of 2013, as part of its aim to save €170m a year.

A further five branches at AIB's subsidiary First Trust Bank in Northern Ireland have also been earmarked for closure.

Larry Broderick, of the Irish Bank Officials Association, said some Irish towns could end up with just an ATM and no bank branch.

He said the closures would "come as a major shock to customers in these areas, who have come to rely on the service from their local branch".

The first bank will close its doors for good on October 12.

AIB chief executive David Duffy said the closures were necessary to allow AIB to continue providing credit to the economy at sustainable levels.

He insisted there would be little inconvenience to customers due to a recent deal struck with An Post, which has agreed to extend banking facilities.

Customers will be able to lodge cheques and deposits at post offices across Ireland, which the bank claims could minimise disruption.

(NE)