Ulster Bank to close 9 branches in Northern Ireland

By Maria McCann

Ulster Bank will close 9 branches in Northern Ireland.

They will shut this October as a result of more customers using digital technology, according to management.

A spokesman said: "It will have a very limited impact on staff. Around 6 people will be offered a voluntary redundancy."

Five of the branches due to close are in the Greater Belfast area. 

Sean Murphy, Managing Director, Personal Banking, Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland said:

“Ulster Bank will close 9 branches in Northern Ireland in October 2017. Banking has changed radically in recent years. More and more of our customers are using digital technology and fewer are using our branch network.

"Closing a branch is never an easy decision and one we do not take lightly. Recognising that customers expect different services from their bank, we continue to invest in a range of channels to improve access in a sustainable way, such as our Bank on Wheels, 24/7 telephone banking and our services available through the Post Office." Mr Murphy said.

"Ulster Bank still retains Northern Ireland’s largest bank branch network and its only Bank on Wheels service, as well providing ongoing education for customers in how to make best use of these services. We will also be introducing additional digital and community support roles to assist with this transition.

“In line with the industry-agreed UK protocol on branch closures, we are writing to 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, telephone and in post offices. We are also communicating directly with staff in those affected branches.

The news comes just weeks after First Trust announced it's shutting half its network in Northern Ireland.

It's reported around 130 staff are facing voluntary redundancy after it announced it was closing 15 branches.