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Sligo's Permanent TSB branch escapes axe

The location of 16 Permanent TSB branches which are to close over the next four years as part of a major restructuring of the bank were announced yesterday.

In Sligo, staff were relieved to learn that the O'Connell Street branch is to remain in operation. Donegal town staff wern't so lucky as they were informed of the imminent closure of their branch. The same fate awaits the Westport (Mayo) branch.

Four Dublin branches will close: Lucan, Blanchardstown village, Sutton and Henry Street.

Four Cork branches – in Lapp’s Quay, Youghal, Cobh and Mayfield – will also close, as will three Tipperary branches, in Thurles, Tipperary town and Roscrea.

Along with Donegal town and Westport the remaining closures are in Athy, Co Kildare; Enniscorthy, Co Wexford; and Arundel Square in Waterford city.

In addition to these 16, two branches in the greater Dublin area – in Tyrrelstown and Northside Shopping Centre in Coolock – will become self-service locations while its St Stephen’s Green branch will also close in mid-2013.

The Unite trade union said between 195 and 250 job losses are expected but it will be working to limit that number.