Ulster Bank to remove Bank on Wheels service from Dungiven this summer

A mobile bank service, which was introduced in Dungiven following the closure of the town's Ulster Bank back in 2018, is set to be terminated later this summer.

The mobile bank, Ulster Bank on wheels, has been visiting the North Derry town every Wednesday morning, allowing people to avail of services usually only provided in branch.

However, Ulster Bank have now confirmed that the service will end on August 30 alongside the stop in Gortin, County Tyrone.

A spokesperson for Ulster Bank confirmed that there is 'no longer a customer demand in these locations' and they plan to replace these stops with new stops in Maghera and Lisnaskea.

Customers in Dungiven will now be forced to drive the extra nine miles to the nearest branch in Limavady or 12 miles to the new stop in Maghera.

The Ulster Bank spokesperson said more customers are choosing digital banking.

“The way people bank with us has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services as customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank. Over 93% of Ulster Bank retail banking customer needs are now met digitally and over half of retail banking customers bank entirely digitally,” said the spokesperson.

“Many customers are choosing digital banking because it makes life easier. But we know for some people there are challenges in moving online, and we recognise our responsibility to provide them with the support and services that work for them.

“We are following the Access to Banking Standard and we have engaged with the FCA. We have made our decision after careful consideration of a wide range of factors including, changes in customer mobile branch usage over a long period of time; how often customers are using the mobile branch; the types of transactions they undertake; and the ways our customer can bank locally.

“While we have the permissions in place to park at Maghera every other Wednesday 10:15 to 11:15am, we are currently liaising with Fermanagh & Omagh District Council for Lisnaskea to get a licence agreement in place enabling us to park the mobile bank every other Friday 1:35 to 2:20pm.

“We provide our customers with more ways to bank than ever before – customers can choose from a range of digital, face-to-face and local banking options,” added the spokesperson.

Mairead McCormack, Chief Executive of Glenshane Community Development Limited, expressed her disappointment at Ulster Bank's decision and called on them to reconsider and explore alternative solutions.

“Glenshane Community Development Limited are deeply concerned and disappointed regarding Ulster Bank's decision to terminate the mobile bank service in Dungiven,” Ms McCormack said.

“The Bank has advised that they are relocating services to Maghera, which doesn't have a physical bank either, so will probably only operate a 45 minute mobile banking window one day per week, similar to that presently provided in Dungiven.  This will have a detrimental impact on the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Mairead continued: “While we understand the changing landscape of banking and the shift toward digital services, we cannot overlook the reality faced by those without access to a vehicle. Firstly there is a 20 minute bus journey from Dungiven to the Park and Ride bus stop at the Maghera Flyover and then a 20 minute walk from the bus stop to the town centre.  This will pose significant challenges, especially for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities and families with young children.

“Furthermore, this decision contradicts the promises made by Ulster Bank when the physical bank branch in Dungiven was closed. At that time, assurances were given that alternative services would be provided to ensure continued accessibility for our community.

“We urge Ulster Bank to reconsider this decision and explore alternative solutions, prioritising the needs of their Dungiven customers.  Our community relies on accessible banking services, and we hope that Ulster Bank will honour its commitment to serve us effectively.”