Ulster Bank in Clara to close by November

Ulster Bank’s sub-office in Clara is to close by the end of November, it has been confirmed.

According to a statement from the company the move will mean no additional job losses.

It’s understood nine branches around the country are to close in all, including branches in South Mall in Cork, Granard in Longford, Pearse Road in Sligo, Clane in Kildare and Kimmage and Inchicore in Dublin as well as sub-offices in Clara, Enfield in Meath and Lifford in Donegal.

Reacting to the news local Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen said that while he welcomed the news that no jobs will be lost, the closure is still a blow.

“The branch hours had already been reduced and now an important local service is lost to the town altogether,” he said.

Deputy Cowen also questioned how customers will be affected by the closure and what provisions have been put in place to service those customers at other branches.

A spokesperson for Ulster Bank said customers at the Clara branch will be transferred to Tullamore.

“We will also be writing directly to customers of Clara in the coming weeks to inform them of alternative branch locations in their area and the range of banking services available on their mobiles, online and via telephone,” he added.