Wicklow Sinn Féin TD has serious concerns about the future of a number of Bank of Ireland branches in Wicklow following this morning’s news that 103 branches are set to close.
Speaking after this morning’s announcement Deputy Brady said “This morning’s announcement that Bank of Ireland are set to close 103 branches is deeply disappointing, however it doesn’t come as a surprise. We know they have been looking at trying to close a number of them here in Wicklow for a considerable time. I have real concern about the future of the branches in Rathdrum, Tinahely and Carnew.”
“Last year Bank of Ireland closed these 3 branches in Wicklow for 4 months. The reason given at the time was as a result of Covid, I was sceptical at the time as were many of the local customers who were greatly inconvenienced as a result. In total 101 branches closed temporarily during the first wave of the pandemic, nearly the same amount set to close following this morning’s announcement. I believe last year’s closures were essentially a dry run for their complete closure.”
“The government is a 14% stakeholder in Bank of Ireland, and I believe the Government must speak up and protect rural Ireland in this attempt to centralise the Bank’s operations in urban areas. This morning’s announcement is a hammer blow for workers and consumers, and it follows on quickly from the news that Ulster Bank is to close their operations here.”
