The Bank of Ireland has confirmed today that 103 banks across the island of Ireland will close.

The Bank of Ireland branch in Lisnaskea is among 15 closures of branches in Northern Ireland. The Enniskillen branch will remain open. The Bank of Ireland has not confirmed the dates in which it will close its branches but anticipate it will be between June and the end of the year.

In a statement published on the bank's website, the Bank of Ireland said: "Bank of Ireland customers in Northern Ireland have been steadily moving to digital banking over the past 10 years. The pace of this change has increased recently. Since 2017, for example, digital banking has increased by 50% while visits to our branches have sharply declined. Increasingly, our customers are using Post Office services with 52% of over-the-counter transactions now made in Post Office branches.

"We have invested in technology that enables customers to bank digitally – including launching a new banking app and updating our online banking. Alongside this we have also introduced digital ways to pay with Google Pay and Apple Pay. Today, almost 80% of our customers are using online as their preferred channel to open a personal account.

"As we continue to adapt, we must change how we provide banking services. Therefore, after careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close 15 branches across Northern Ireland. 

"Bank of Ireland will operate a smaller but modernised number of branches with at least one Bank of Ireland branch in each county and the nearest Post Office or Branch will be within 1 mile for customers of closing branches. The branches that will remain open are: Andersonstown, Armagh, Bangor, Belfast City Branch, Coleraine, Cookstown, Culmore Road (Derry/Londonderry), Enniskillen, Glengormley, Lurgan, Magherafelt, Newry, Omagh. The Bank will invest in the remaining branches which will ensure a wide range of digital and physical banking options for our customers.

"We anticipate that branches will close from June to the end of 2021 and closing dates will be announced in due course. However, we will consider the impact on customers regarding closure date should lockdown measures be in place at that time.

"You do not have to do anything and can continue bank as you do today. If your branch is closing, we will write to you at least 12 weeks before your branch closes to give you all of the information you need, including alternative ways to carry out everyday banking activities.

"We are aware that this news may raise questions in light of the situation regarding the Covid-19 lockdown and you may be unable or may not want to visit your branch. If you wish to talk to someone about these changes, please call us on 03457 365 555."