Bank of Ireland must prioritise communications with customers to ensure smooth transition of services to An Post – Seery-Kearney

Bank of Ireland must prioritise communications with customers to ensure a smooth transition of in-person services to An Post, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Dublin Senator Mary Seery-Kearney said: “The news that two of the four remaining Bank of Ireland branches in the Constituency of Dublin South Central are to close comes as a blow to the local community who, for decades, have been loyal customers.

“A number of years ago, the big Bank of Ireland branch in Inchicore closed, leaving the community of Inchicore without their branch.

“Now the news that Ballyfermot is also to close leaves the communities between the South Circular Road and Cherry Orchard, including Ballyfermot, Bluebell and Inchicore without a Bank of Ireland branch.

“I welcome that Bank of Ireland has reached an agreement with An Post for the provision of services, as not all members of the community are comfortable with or able to move their banking on line.

“The bank branch closure in Ballyfermot will be eased significantly by the proximity of the post office on Le Fanu Road and the second post office on Decies Road.

“Similarly, Inchicore will have a resumption of Bank of Ireland services via their post office and Bluebell will have the benefit of the La Touche Road post office as a convenient place to carry out their banking.

“The bank confirmed that the new partnership with An Post will be available to all Bank of Ireland customers before any branch closes. Furthermore, the bank stated that there will be no closures for 6 months.”

Senator Seery-Kearney concluded: “Bank of Ireland has said the decision to close these branches is in response to changing customer behaviour with a significant acceleration in digital banking.

“However, many individuals still have a need for traditional branch banking including local businesses and elderly and vulnerable customers.

“It is essential for Bank of Ireland to ensure their communications to these customers are clear and timely to ensure there is no confusion over the course of the transition.”

ENDS