Fianna Fáil Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, has described the Bank of Ireland decision as a ‘devastating blow to older people’.

It was announced this week that 88 bank branches across the nation will close in the coming six months with the first of these closures to be seen in September.

Three closures have been outlined for Waterford effecting Lismore, Kilmacthomas and Ardkeen.

Regarding the Lismore closure, Fianna Fáil Minister Mary Butler said this will result in a ‘huge loss to the local community'.

“Bank of Ireland has stated that the branches closing are predominantly self-service locations which do not offer a counter service. This is not the case for Lismore …" the Minister said.

Full story in this week’s Print & Digital Edition