Ulster Bank set to remove ATM in Downpatrick

29 May 2024

THE Ulster Bank has secured planning approval to remove the cash dispensing machine and night safe from its Downpatrick branch ahead of its closure in November.

Local planners have approved the move and also given the green light for the removal of existing signage and fascia on the Market Street side of the bank.

The doors of the Downpatrick branch are due to close for the final time on November 19, leaving the town with just two banks — Danske and Santander.

Ulster Bank says the decision to close its branches in Downpatrick and Ballynahinch was taken “after careful consideration” of a wide range of factors including changes in customer branch usage over a long period of time, the types of transactions they undertake and ways customers can bank locally.

Over recent years, Bank of Ireland and First Trust have closed their branches in Downpatrick, with Ulster Bank accused of “turning its back” on the people of the town.

Bank officials said the closure reflected its strategy to support customers with both face to face and online banking services, revealing that only 18 customers currently use the Downpatrick branch weekly.

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