Ulster Bank chief moves to reassure Mayo staff

The chief executive of Ulster Bank's has informed staff in Mayo that the strategy of its parent NatWest to grow the Republic of Ireland operations, while also considering all strategic options, has not changed.

In a briefing note, Jane Howard described reports that NatWest is considering shutting down all Ulster Bank's operations in Ireland as 'speculative'.

She stated: "It's important to emphasis to your colleagues and to customers that we have seen commentary like this before and this, like previous stories, is also speculative.

"I know that it can be distracting but I would ask that you please stay focused on serving our customers well."

The Ulster Bank has branches in Castlebar, Claremorris, Westport, Ballina and Belmullet.