Omagh AIB branch to close on Friday

THE Allied Irish Bank on Omagh’s High Street will close for the final time tomorrow (Friday).

Earlier this year, the bank announced that the branch in the town would be among a number across the North to cease operations.

It brings to an end a century of history for the bank in the present building, which first opened to the public in 1924.

AIB also confirmed that the ATM machine at the bank will also be put out of use on Friday evening.

In a statement, a spokesperson for AIB said that they had written directly to all customers advising them of the changes and of the alternative ways in which they can bank. “These include Online Banking and Mobile App, our remaining branches including Enniskillen and the use of the Post Office network for over the counter services,” they added.

Colm Broderick, president of Omagh Chamber of Commerce, said the loss of the bank and its ATM will have an effect on many customers who had used the AIB services.

“My heart goes out to the staff of AIB who have spent their whole careers in Omagh. It should be hoped that they will be looked after. It is also important that plans are in place for the AIB premises and that they aren’t allowed to go into disrepair because this is a very prominent building in the town,” he said.

Michael Roddy, chairperson of Omagh Independent Advice Services, said he was shocked that AIB is removing the ATM machine.

“In my experience, banks have retained their ATM machines for a period of time. There are other ATMs in the town, but the closure of the bank and its services will not suit everyone and comes at a time when Post Office card accounts are also being closed down.”

Omagh Town Sinn Fein councillor, Barry McElduff, said the loss of a centrally-located ATM and bank was another setback for the town centre. He expressed disappointment that AIB had taken the decision to cease operation of the ATM.