Alliance Finance spokesperson Andrew Muir has spoken of his concern after AIB announced its plan to close eight branches.

Mr Muir said his automatic worry was not only for the staff affected, but for the many more customers who would now be without easy access to a local bank branch as a result.

He said: “News that AIB plans to close eight branches across Northern Ireland is a real concern and a hammer blow to the numerous town centre’s struggling to recover from the Covid-19 economic downturn – leaving yet more gaps in the High Street at a time when we really need to be filing empty units.

“This will be devastating news for staff, and my thoughts are with them as they process what comes next, but I’m also concerned about yet another visible presence on our high streets disappearing, leaving yet more people in Northern Ireland without easy access to an AIB Bank Branch –instead required to travel a significant distance to bank in person.

“I will be seeking a meeting with both AIB Management and representatives of Financial Services Union, alongside my Alliance Party colleagues Dr Stephen Farry MP and Economy Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA, to discuss this decision and explore what can be done to address the concerning reality that by closing eight branches AIB’s High Street presence in Northern Ireland will be reduced to just seven Bank Branches.”