Ulster Bank urges customers to switch accounts

It's closing a number of Irish branches.

Ulster Bank says it's continuing to write to its current and deposit account customers ahead of its closure of its Irish branches.

It says it is contacting customers on a phased, rolling basis, to give them six months’ notice to choose a new banking provider, move their balances and transactions and switch their accounts.

It says that anyone in need of additional support or in a vulnerable situation can contact the bank directly on 1800 656 001 from 8am-8pm, seven days a week.

Ulster Bank says customers do not need to take action until they receive a letter or email from Ulster Bank.

Ulster Bank will eventually close its remaining three branches in Co Cavan, as well as others in Monaghan town, Longford, Mullingar and Navan. Only the Ulster Bank branches in Ballyconnell and Ballyjamesduff will be saved, to be traded to Permanent TSB as part of a new deal struck.

Ciaran Coyle, Managing Director of Retail Banking, Ulster Bank said: “We understand that choosing a new banking provider can take time and we want to ensure that customers in vulnerable situations and anyone that requires additional assistance gets the support they require as early in the process as possible. We have been proactively engaging with these customers to ensure they have all the help they need. In addition to our dedicated customer phone line, our branches will remain open throughout this period.

"From 1 July, counters will close in all branches from 1pm with counter colleagues remaining in the open branches to assist customers in the Choose-Move-Close process. We have scaled up our resourcing of our Unit to support customers in vulnerable situations in preparation for the increased demand and have deployed trained staff in each branch for those in need of additional assistance.

"Also, other financial services providers have begun operating from some of our branches to support customers who want help in opening new accounts. If any customers in vulnerable situations are unsure of their next steps and would like to discuss their needs with us, they can contact us on 1800 656 001, lines are open 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week, or review our comprehensive customer FAQ on our website www.ulsterbank.ie.”