Bank of Ireland has announced a landmark investment of more than €60 million in a range of branch improvements, including the Bank’s largest single investment in ATMs in the last decade.
Starting later this year, a new fleet of state-of-the-art ATMs will be rolled out to all branches throughout the Island of Ireland between now and 2027.
As part of the plane announcement, 18 branches have been confirmed for refurbishment including just one in Clare, the branch at Scarriff.
The new fleet (664 ATMs) has greater cash processing capacity and will slash energy use by more than half. The ATMs can be used for both withdrawals and lodgements and the majority will ‘recycle’ cash (i.e. cash deposited can be used for withdrawals). This maximises ATM availability, supporting customers with better access to cash when they need it. The investment also covers five years of servicing and maintenance.
As part of this package of investment, during 2024 customer areas in 18 branches* will also be refurbished, access will be improved at some locations, and colleague facilities will be upgraded in at least 15 branches. Further branches will be refurbished in 2025 and these will be announced in the future.
Commenting on the investment in branches and ATMs, Susan Russell, CEO, Bank of Ireland Retail Ireland said: “Like any other company, being profitable allows us to improve our business. Given the large number of customers which we serve, major re-investment is required every year. I’m really happy that this latest investment will see all customers across all counties benefit with the most modern and efficient ATMs, whilst also supporting our ESG ambitions through energy reduction.
“We are always investing to ensure customers have access to cash and other banking services in a modern and comfortable environment. Each year we refurbish many of our branches and that’s a constant, rolling project of enhancements.
“As a full service retail bank, with a presence in communities throughout the island of Ireland, we are committed to continually improving our services and the financial wellbeing of customers. This means re-investing purposefully in branches, contact centres, technology, ATMs and other infrastructure to ensure our customers have the most modern and efficient banking available.”
In addition to the €60 million investment in branches and ATMs announced today, a €36 million project for the Bank’s iconic College Green buildings will also commence this year. This is the largest single investment in College Green in more than 200 years, and will improve facilities for customers and colleagues, undertake a range of repairs, upgrading and restoration work, and significantly improve the energy efficiency of the complex.
Last year saw €11.5million invested in enhancements to our branch network – this included refurbishments to 21 branches, upgrading of cash services, improvement of colleague facilities, and installation of energy efficient LED lighting across all branches.