AIB has announced that it will plan to close more than half of its branches across Northern Ireland later this year.
Following the closures of seven branches, the bank’s network in NI will be left with seven locations.
AIB explained that the decision was made after a strategic review which saw a 52 per cent increase in its customers using online payments since 2017.
They also stated that there had been a 33 per cent reduction in the number of people coming in to use their branches.
Brian Gillan, Head of Retail & NI, AIB said: “We are operating in a very competitive and challenging landscape, with the added impacts of low interest rates and the pandemic. This backdrop coupled with the continued shift from branch usage towards digital banking has necessitated this strategic review.
“The ‘digital first’ customer transition, which has been an industry-wide trend over the past four years, has accelerated dramatically due to the Covid-19 pandemic as even more people adapted to online platforms.
“These undeniable and irreversible trends have in turn influenced our strategy and led to the decision to close branches that are no longer sustainable. Our focus will be on minimising the impact for customers who continue to use the branch while also further improving online banking experiences.”
AIB's seven remaining NI branches are:
-Ballymena
-University Road, Belfast
-Donegall Square North, Belfast
-Dungannon
-Meadowbank
-Newry
-Enniskillen
Having invested £25m in Northern Ireland over the last four years, AIB says that their reshaped strategy will enhance services for business and mortgage customers with faster, more efficient borrowing decisions.
They plan to support colleagues through alternative opportunities where possible, with a voluntary severance programme available.
The bank explained it will continue to serve customers in its seven remaining branches and is dedicated to ensuring continuous improvements to its overall digital experience for customers, through developing remote account opening for new personal customers and a digital mortgage offering.
Mr Gillan continued: “We assure customers that we remain fully committed to them and to Northern Ireland, providing them with a full service personal and business banking offering alongside an enhanced focus on both business and mortgage lending. Our priority is to ensure the bank has a sustainable future in Northern Ireland, which allows us to support our customers and play our part in strengthening the wider economy.”
The branches set to close in November are:
-Bangor (Moving to Donegall Square North, Belfast )
-Coleraine (Moving to Ballymena )
-Glengormley (Moving to Donegall Square North, Belfast )
-Kilkeel (Moving to Newry )
-Lisburn (Moving to University Road, Belfast )
-Lurgan (Moving to Dungannon )
-Newcastle (Moving to Newry )
-Omagh ( Moving to Dungannon )
