LAST UPDATE | 21 Apr 2023

ULSTER BANK’S REMAINING branches have shut their doors, bringing a close to the bank’s 187-year history in the Republic of Ireland.

25 branches had already closed but the remaining 63 shut their doors today.

The remaining Ulster Bank branches ended all in-branch transaction services at the end of last month in preparation for its exit from the Irish market.

Since the ending of in-branch transaction services on 31 March, Ulster Bank has been focused on supporting customers moving to new bank accounts.

A range of customer services and supports from Ulster Bank will continue after today, through phone and online channels, to help remaining customers move and close their accounts. 

“Today is a poignant day in Ulster Bank’s 187-year history as our remaining 63 branches in the Republic of Ireland will close their doors for the last time,” Ulster Bank chief executive Jane Howard said. 

“While the focus in recent months has been on supporting our customers as they move to new banking providers, we know our branches and colleagues have been a central part of communities around the country for many years,” Howard said. 

“I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our branch colleagues over the years, particularly for their dedication over the past two challenging years, and I’d also like to thank our customers for allowing us to be part of your communities.”

Speaking to RTÉ’s News at One, the general secretary of the Financial Services Union John O’Connell called it a “sad day”. 

He said Ulster Bank staff are “very professional” and provided customer service right up to the last.

He noted that the FSU campaigned against Ulster Bank’s closure. 

However, O’Connell said there is “capacity within the banking sector” to accommodate the job losses.

He also noted that “many jobs have been saved” due to Ulster Bank transferring to AIB and Permanent TSB.

O’Connell added that staff had “many options” as to their next steps. 

He also claimed that the era of physical bank branches isn’t necessarily over, and noted that Permanent TSB purchased 25 Ulster Bank branches. 

“This far and no further in terms of branch closures,” said O’Connell.

“The people spoke when the government surveyed them for the banking review and said ‘we want to retain face-to face services and access to them.”

Vulnerable customers

Ulster Bank has said known vulnerable customers will still continue to be supported in moving to a new provider. 

After today, customers can contact Ulster Bank on 0818 210 260 or 00353 1804 7475 if calling from abroad. 

For customers who need additional support or may be in a vulnerable situation there is a dedicated phone line on 1800 656 001 (lines open 8am-8pm, seven days a week).

Business customers can call Ulster Bank on 1800 818 375 or call their dedicated relationship manager for assistance with moving their accounts. Customers can also find further information on the Customer Support Hub on the Ulster Bank website.

Ahead of the remaining branch closures today, the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) and Safeguarding Ireland issued a reminder that dedicated phonelines and supports are in place for vulnerable customers moving bank account, as well as their carers.

BPFI is also highlighting its guide for vulnerable customers, and those caring for them, who are in the process of moving to a new financial services provider.

The guide contains dedicated phonelines for vulnerable customers and those who need additional support moving accounts.

It also details the different types of circumstances which may lead a customer to require additional assistance as they move account and provides examples of the solutions that banks can put in place.

Further information on both the exiting and remaining banks and financial institutions can be found on movingaccount.ie.

Chief Executive of the BPFI Brian Hayes said: “As we reach the final stages of the account migration process, our members are continuing to work with a small number of customers who are considered to be in vulnerable circumstances.

“Significant customer outreach and support for these customers has been underway for some time by the exiting banks and today we are strongly urging all customers, or their carers, who feel they require additional assistance to contact their bank as soon as possible.”

While Hayes noted that “moving bank can be a daunting experience”, he added that frontline staff “are trained to help”.

“We are encouraging all those customers who feel they need additional support to contact their new provider on their dedicated phoneline to discuss their individual situation,” said Hayes.

“While some cases are quite complex and may take more time, our member banks understand that each case is different and will work to ensure that customers’ needs are at the centre of the solution,” added Hayes.

Safeguarding Ireland chairperson Patricia Rickard-Clarke noted the varied reasons why someone may face challenges in moving banks, “ranging from diminished cognitive ability, serious illness, sudden life events such as bereavement, and language or communication challenges”.

“While some customers can navigate the steps involved in moving account with extra support from their bank,” said Rickard-Clarke, “others may need the help of a trusted family member, carer or a legal representative.

“If you are a customer or the carer of a customer who requires additional or tailored support, the most important thing is to just pick up the phone and talk to your bank,” she added.