Bank of Ireland is closing 101 branches tomorrow in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In a statement, the bank said it was ‘focusing resources’ on the remaining 168 branches and its national ATM fleet.
It said 148 of the remaining branches will offer a full service to customers, including counter services for cash, coin and cheque services.
Meanwhile, 13 will provide self-service offerings but no counter service.
The open branches will operate normal opening hours – with a prioritised service for over-65s and carers between 10am and 11am.
We now offer a priority service in our branches for over 65s and carers from 10–11am, Mon to Fri. Alternatively, over 65s and carers can call 1800 946 146 (9.30am-4.30pm). pic.twitter.com/CBlGhwmRje
— Bank of Ireland (@bankofireland) March 19, 2020
Staff at the temporarily closed branches will support teams and the branches that remain open.
Gavin Kelly CEO of the bank’s retail division said this will allow them manage the increase in people requiring COVID-19 support – especially for payment breaks on mortgages and loans.
“We’re constantly reviewing our operations to ensure we are providing the right supports for customers through this challenging period,” he said.
“These changes help us to respond to the most pressing needs of our customers right now – that’s support in managing the impact of coronavirus on their personal finances and on their businesses.
“These changes also refocus our branch network to our larger locations, which will help us support social distancing.
“This is extremely important for our customers and colleagues, whose safety and wellbeing is our priority.
“This will complement the enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures we have in place in our branches.”
For more information visit: https://t.co/mvKABxJQsu pic.twitter.com/Db4stbYY92
— AIB (@AIBIreland) March 20, 2020
Meanwhile, AIB has confirmed that it will row back on its plan to charge maintenance fees for customers – even if they keep a minimum balance of €2,500 in their account.
It also pulled back on its plan to introduce a 1c fee for every contactless transaction.
Both banks are offering customers a three-month payment break on loans and mortgages.
They are also providing working capital support and the rescheduling of loan payments to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Chief executive Colin Hunt said: “AIB recognises the extraordinary pressure on families, individuals, businesses and communities as a result of the sudden disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All AIB’s staff and systems are focussed on supporting our customers and economy through this unprecedented crisis.
“To that end we have in place a range of robust measures designed to buttress customers against the enormous challenges now facing us. I urge anyone experiencing difficulties to contact the bank as early as possible.”
