AIB to create 260 call centre jobs in Swords

AIB is creating 260 jobs in Swords, Co Dublin, through the opening of a new call centre to support its direct banking services.

The bank yesterday said that it was planning to open a new customer contact centre at Lakeview House in Airside Retail Park in Swords.

The move will create 260 jobs, bringing to 760 the number of people AIB employs in customer service call centres in Naas, Co Kildare, and Citywest, Co Dublin.

The bank recently began recruiting the new staff, but has yet to hire the bulk of them.

According to a spokesman, the new centre will support AIB's phone and internet banking services.

It will also provide support for credit card customers, and an emergency service for lost or stolen cards.

The spokesman added that branch customers also use its helplines to get information on products and services.

Donal Forde, managing director of AIB Bank, Republic of Ireland, said the move to Swords was required to cater for the expansion of the bank's direct banking service. The new facility will open in April next year.

AIB would not reveal how much it is planning to invest in the new centre. It is leasing the space, but will be responsible for fitting it out. ".

The bank also said yesterday that the new building was designed to deliver energy savings. It will use combined heat and power technology. This is an integrated system that allows buildings to generate their own electricity, heat, hot water and air cooling.