24 former Ulster Bank branches have been reopened as Permanent TSB banks today.
Permanent TSB bought 25 former Ulster Bank branches as part of a bigger deal, increasing its network to 98 branches across the country.
24 of the 25 branches have now re-opened for business under the Permanent TSB name, with the 25th in Westport due to re-open on February 20.
The bank said its branch expansion forms part of its broader acquisition of €6.2 billion Ulster Bank performing non-tracker mortgages, its performing micro SME business and entire Lombard asset finance business.
Permanent TSB has invested €25m in refurbishing the former Ulster Bank branches, installing new ATMs and IT equipment as well as new signage and display.
The branches will offer cash services and will be staffed by workers who worked in them when the location was owned by Ulster Bank.
More than 125 Ulster Bank staff transferred to Permanent TSB as part of the branch acquisition.
Patrick Farrell, Permanent TSB Retail Banking Director, said the bank was delighted to open branches in 25 communities that would otherwise have lost a bank branch from Ulster Bank's closure.
"Former Ulster Bank customers can continue to do business in the same building as before, with the same people as before, but we are here to serve the whole community and would encourage everyone to drop in and see for themselves what we offer," Mr Farrell said.
"Our €25m branch investment programme is a real statement of intent from Permanent TSB. We are committed to serving these communities and supporting local customers," he added.
At the time of its closure announcement two years ago, Ulster Bank had 88 branches around the country.
Those Ulster Bank branches that are not re-opening as Permanent TSB are due to close on April 21.
