Updated, 10:08
A DUBLIN CITY CENTRE branch of Bank of Ireland was forced to close early today after it was occupied by members of the Occupy Dame Street movement.
Seven members of the group entered the premises at about 1:30pm, during the busy lunch hour period.
Two subsequently left, but the other five remained outside, while a companion group held placards outside.
The occupation was in protest at Bank of Ireland’s repayment of €875 million in senior unsecured bonds over the last few days, as well as the repayment by Anglo Irish Bank of a €300 million bond which matured on Sunday.
A spokeswoman for the bank said the decision to close early was taken to protect the bank’s staff and customers.
She added that the bank “could not conduct business under those circumstances”.
The protesters left the branch at the usual 4pm closing time, and the bank expects to operate normal hours tomorrow.
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