Eight AIB branches to close in Limerick

AIB have announced that eight branches in Limerick are to close - Dromcollogher, Doon, Glin, William Street, Corbally, Croom, Hospital and Foynes.

These will take effect from October 12 apart Croom, Hospital and Foynes, which will close next year. Staff at locations due for closure will relocate to nearby AIB branches.

The closures are part of a review of the bank’s retail operations as part of the wider transformation and cost reduction programme currently underway in the bank.

Banking at Dromcollogher is to be relocated to Newcastle West; Doon to Tipperary; Glin to Listowel; William Street and Corbally to O’Connell Street; Croom to Adare; Hospital to Kilmallock and Foynes to Newcastle West.

Denis O’Callaghan, head of AIB Branch Banking said AIB is changing in response to customer needs.

“We have seen a very significant change in the way our customers wish to do their banking. As a result of this, many of our branches have seen a large decline in customer visits.

“Notwithstanding today’s announcement, branches will remain an important part of AIB’s overall distribution strategy and will be complemented by an enhanced online service.

“Customers in areas impacted by branch closures will be able to carry out their banking activities through new arrangements put in place in local post offices and through the provision of mobile banks in rural areas,” said Mr O’Callaghan.

Cllr Mary Harty said two weeks ago that the closures of Doon and Hospital “would have a devastating effect on both villages because they have already lost a number of businesses over the years.

“But the loss of a bank and the business it brings to the village each day would be substantial. It is more than our rural villages could take in this economic climate,” said Cllr Harty.