TEN Ulster Bank branches will close by next February, the financial institution said yesterday.
It will bring the bank's network in the north down to 64 branches, while it has also announced plans to shut 14 outlets in the Republic.
Ulster Bank said no staff would be made redundant as a result of the decision.
It comes in the wake of fines totalling £56 million from UK authorities for the bank's parent company Royal Bank of Scotland for the 2012 IT meltdown.
Meanwhile the Central Bank of Ireland imposed a €3.5m (£2.75m) penalty over the same issue.
Ulster Bank pointed out that customers could check their balance, withdraw cash and pay bills at any Post Office in Northern Ireland, adding that just 14 per cent of transactions were made in branches.
And the bank has also started a Bank on Wheels service operation at Carryduff shopping centre and Main Street in Saintfield.
Branches set to close in the latest tranche include Dundonald, Newcastle, Portstewart, Tandragee, Aughnacloy, Donaghadee, Gortin, Newtownhamilton, Randalstown and Crumlin Road.
Ulster Bank head of branch banking Stephen Cruise said: "Banking has changed significantly over the last few years as more and more of our customers are using digital technology to bank with us where and when it is convenient for them.
"Closing a branch is never an easy decision and one we do not take lightly. We continue to invest in a range of banking channels to improve access to our services such as our Bank on Wheels and our commitment to extend our services available through the Post Office this year. Ulster Bank still retains the largest branch network in Northern Ireland."
The Consumer Council's head of money affairs Rachael Cray said the news was "disappointing".
"This announcement means by next February, Northern Ireland's big four banks will have closed 77 branches in the last four years (31 per cent of the bank branch network)," she said.
"We are particularly concerned about the impact this Ulster Bank decision will have on its customers and businesses in the areas affected. The majority of the closing branches are in rural communities where Ulster Bank has been the only bank or is the last bank in town."
Finance union IBOA said it had asked management to review the decision " in the interests of both its customers and its employees".
Its general secretary Larry Broderick said: "Apart from raising issues
about the alternative arrangements to be put in place for customers in the affected areas, the union is also seeking immediate confirmation from Ulster Bank's management that the latest tranche of closures will be the last for the foreseeable future."