A Bank of Ireland branch in central Dublin was forced to close earlier after protestors entered the building.

A company spokesperson said a number of Occupy Dame Street members entered the O’Connell Street branch just after lunchtime.

They left the premises at 4pm this afternoon when the branch was closing.

The bank says it closed the outlet to protect customers and staff.

It says it is extremely unfortunate they had to close and inconvenience customers.

The branch will re-open as normal tomorrow morning.