Bank of Ireland Phibsborough closure a blow to community, says senator

The closure of the Bank of Ireland Phibsborough branch has been described a blow to the local community, a local Labour Senator has said.

“Phibsborough is home to major employers such as the Mater hospital and Mountjoy prison, and the community is home to a large number of older persons and an ethnically diverse population,” said Marie Sherlock.

“In particular the loss of foreign currency services will have a significant impact on the local community in Phibsborough. The closure will also hit cash-dependent local businesses.

“There is no doubt that major changes have been taking place in how people bank.

“However, it is incredible that the bank would seek to rely on the drop in footfall into bank branches over the past 12 months.

“We shouldn’t have to remind the Bank that the devastating impact on some businesses, the lack of foreign travel and the reluctance to go into premises has all contributed to the footfall.

“The reality is that this is a cost saving measure and nothing else.  My thoughts are with the staff at the Phibsborough branch today.”

Senator Sherlock asked Bank of Ireland to give “serious consideration to the future use of the building and to the handling of its disposal.

“This is crucial to ensuring a positive future use for the community.”