Bank of Ireland are facing repeated calls to reverse their decision to close their Belleek branch, which is one of eight across the North set to shut its doors this autumn.

 The loss of the Belleek bank means hundreds of customers with accounts in the area are facing a 50 mile return trip to Enniskillen to visit their nearest BOI branch.

The bank has said the volume of business in the branches that are to close is “insufficient to sustain them in the long term”.

 Officials from BOI are meeting with the local Chamber of Commerce and other key stakeholders in Belleek this week as consultations continue with employees and their representatives. 

 The First Minister Arlene Foster had “a positive meeting” with Bank of Ireland’s Regional Director, Sean Sheehan and Adrian Olsen, Managing Director, at Stormont on Monday.

Following the meeting, a DUP spokesman said: “The First Minister outlined from the beginning her desire to see the retention of the bank in Belleek despite its planned closure. The First Minister will continue to communicate with the bank over the coming weeks to ensure the entire Belleek community have their concerns felt. The DUP understands the huge frustration at this issue and we will be working together to find a positive resolution.”

Sinn Fein Councillor for Erne North, John Feely also had discussions with Mr Sheehan in Belfast on Monday and urged him to reverse the decision. 

Cllr Feely told the Herald that he conveyed the very real concerns of BOI customers in Belleek to Mr Sheehan. 

“The people of Belleek and the surrounding areas want their local bank to remain and I told him this in the strongest possible terms.

“As well as highlighting the unique set of circumstances around the Belleek branch I also had some questions in regards to Bank of Ireland’s corporate social responsibilities.

“I referred to their own ‘2015 Responsible Business Report’, and asked them were they not going against their own corporate social responsibilities. In the report they claim that, where a local community continues to support the bank, they will continue to support them. The report also claims to support customers to make the most of digital options for everyday banking so that they can choose how to bank.”

Cllr Feely also reiterated that closing Belleek’s last bank was causing countless difficulties and hardships to the community.

“By closing branches, Bank of Ireland are actually taking away their customers’ choice in how to bank. Online or nothing is not a choice. I was assured that the bank’s corporate responsibilities were taken into account although these assurances ring hollow. Although Bank of Ireland gave assurances about retaining Belleek’s ATM, keeping one to one business advice services available, and not ruling out other innovative solutions, I reiterated the need for a bank in Belleek.”