Reacting to the decision of Bank of Ireland to close half of their branches in Northern Ireland, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“Nobody can deny the significant increase of online banking, but to close so many Bank of Ireland branches in so many of our local towns and on our high streets seems a step too far”
“The closure of these fifteen branches will have a negative impact on our local high streets with less footfall for nearby retailers when lockdown ends. I have also particular concerns of the impact on rural communities, with further reduced ATM provision and the ability to access cash”
“Our high streets face a huge task in recovering with so many businesses closing their doors which will lead to a growing problem of dereliction and shuttered shops”
