Derry's Shipquay Place Danske Bank branch to close

Derry's Danske Bank branch in Shipquay Place will be closed later this year along with branches in Saintfield, Carrickfergus and Knock.

The branches will close on Friday 7 June and there will be no job losses.

In a document on the Bank's website it says it looks at 'lots of factors' before closing a branch.

In a section titled 'How we’ve come to our decision to close Shipquay Place branch' it says 'It’s never an easy decision to close a branch, and we look into lots of factors' 

These include the number of customers using the branch regularly, how close it is to branches and free to use cash machines, the particular needs of some customers, distance from other ways to bank and eBanking, Mobile Banking etc.

Commenting on the announcement, Aisling Press, Danske Bank’s Managing Director of Personal Banking, said:

“The world around us is always changing, and alongside that we’ve seen changes to how people choose to do their banking. Many of our customers are now using alternative ways to bank with us, like through our digital solutions, banking on the phone or in the Post Office. Over the past two years, we’ve seen a 25% increase in customer logins to our digital channels.

“We have to respond to these changes, and a key part of that is reviewing and adapting how we invest in our customer solutions for the future. Sometimes, that will include investing more in our branches. In the past eight years, we’ve invested around £8 million in transformational upgrades to a number of our branches, most recently at our Forestside branch in Belfast and Abbeycentre branch in Newtownabbey.

“Sometimes it also means we need to make difficult decisions to close certain branches that are being used less. This isn’t an easy decision to make, and we consider lots of factors including the customer impact of the closure and alternative services nearby.

“Today, I have written to customers of Shipquay Place branch to assure them that we’re still committed to continuing to meet their banking needs, and to share the different ways they can continue to bank with us. In our branches and on our website, we’ve also published a customer guide which goes into more detail on factors we considered before making our decision as well as more information on other ways to bank with us.

Aisling added: “Over the coming weeks and after the closures, customers will be able to get additional support in any of our branches, from our local contact centre and, where applicable, from their Business Manager. If any of our customers have concerns, I would encourage them to please speak to us - we’ll continue to support them through this change.”

Danske Bank continues to invest in both its digital channels and its day-to-day banking services. Through the Bank’s relationship with the Post Office, personal and business customers with a debit card can check their account balances, withdraw cash and make cash lodgements at any UK Post Office, as well as being able to lodge cheques using a pre-printed envelope and credit slip at any Post Office in the North.

After 7 June, Danske Bank will have a network of 24 branches across Northern Ireland.

People Before Profit have strongly condemned the decision by Danske Bank to close four of its main branches in the North.

Danske have confirmed that the City Centre Branch in Derry is set to close in June 2024.

People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin called for the decision to be reversed.

"I have spoken directly to a Danske Bank representative to make clear our concerns," he said.

"It should be noted Danske Bank NI reported almost £200 million in profit for 2023, up 80% from the previous year. This is not an organisation that is struggling.

"Closing the Shipquay Place branch is a blow to the city centre. We want a vibrant city centre with accessible services.

"There was no effort to consult the Council or user groups about the impact of this decision.

"The company representative could not say if this decision was made on the basis of rates costs.

"We stand in solidarity with bank workers, who are facing uncertainty - and urge Danske management to work with the Financial Services Union to respect the interests of all impacted workers.

"The decision disregards the needs of people, especially the elderly and the vulnerable, who rely on physical access to their money and banking services.

"There's something fundamentally wrong when Danske Bank and many corporate entities can make huge profits during what has been a cost of living crisis for the vast majority of people.

"Their corporate decision makers operate on the assumption their job is to plunder communities and take no responsibility for the cities and towns they operate in.
Banks want every government handout going but are completely unaccountable.

"The banking system is rigged in favour of the rich and powerful.

"Danske Bank NI should reverse its decision and keep all its branches open."