AIB to revamp branches in Laois as part of €40 m investment nationally

The trend of banks downgrading branches around Ireland could be at an end with news that one of Ireland's big two banks is to invest in revamps with two Laois branches listed for work.

AIB says it has begun a strategic investment programme in its branch network, investing €40 million by the end of 2025 in a range of upgrades to branches and ATMs.

The chain says this investment will reduce its operational carbon emissions by a further 10%. In Laois, Rathdowney branch will receive a full refurbishment, while Portlaoise branch will have interior and exterior improvements made. The Bank has just two branches in Laois.

AIB says it has the largest branch network in Ireland, serving over three million customers and the bank employs 10,000 people throughout the country. It claims this major investment demonstrates AIB’s commitment to maintaining its branch network and cash services, supporting the aims of the Government’s recently published National Payments Strategy.

Mid-East Regional Retail Director, Niall Grogan said: “AIB has a longstanding commitment to communities across Laois and we’re proud to continue that by refurbishing our branch in Rathdowney, with improvements made to our Portlaoise branch. While our customers are availing of our digital services more, they also like to be able to come and talk with us for financial advice and for we’re looking forward to meeting them in our newly upgraded branches.” MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Portlaoise branch on Lyster Square is the main AIB branch in Laois.

Managing Director of Retail Banking Geraldine Casey said “We are delighted to announce this major €40 million investment in our nationwide branch network. While the vast majority of our customers manage their day-to-day finances, when they want and where they want digitally, we recognise that they also value the face-to-face service provided in our branches, particularly when it comes to important financial decisions and support. Our branches will be places where all our customers are comfortable discussing their finances with us in a welcoming environment. That’s why we’re investing €40 million to upgrade these locations and supporting AIB’s strategy to further lower our carbon emissions. We remain committed to these communities and look forward to making further investments in our branch network in the future.”

AIB hit major controversy in 2022 when it announced it was ending its cash services at 70 branches, including one in Laois.

Bank of Ireland shut three branches in Durrow, Mountrath and Rathdowney in 2021.

The 35 branches which are to be refurbished by the end of 2025 on a phased basis include:

Phase One: Clifden, Dunmanway, Ennistymon, Killarney, Killorglin, Letterkenny, Millstreet, Tallaght, Tubbercurry, Tullow

Phase Two: Abbeyfeale, Athy, Ballinamore, Ballinrobe, Buncrana, Cahir, Caherciveen, Carndonagh, Carrick-on-Suir, Cashel, Castleblayney, Castletownbere, Cobh, Dundrum Town Centre, Dingle, Edenderry, Kenmare, Killaloe, Killybegs, Kilmallock, Lismore, Rathdowney, Spiddal, Western Road (Cork), Youghal.