The country’s main banks decided to close their branches in the Republic closed on Monday as businesses took precautions as Hurricane Ophelia swept across the country.
Ulster Bank was the first lender to confirm before office hours that it had taken the decision to close its 88 branches and that it would shut its doors at locations in Northern Ireland at 1pm.
The worst to hit Ireland in more than half a century initially prompted AIB to keep a quarter of its 203-strong branch network closed on Monday. However, by mid-morning this was extended to all the lender's locations, according to an AIB spokesman.
Bank of Ireland decided that its branches across the State would remain closed on Monday, except for Dublin outlets, which closed at 11am.
A spokesman for Permanent TSB, which has 77 branches around the State, said that the lender originally planned to allow individual managers across its network to decide whether to open or not.
However, the bank subsequently advised staff before branches were due to open that its network and group head office would remain closed for the day.
“The bank apologies for any inconvenience this may cause but the decision has been taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all staff and customers,” the spokesman said.
Met Éireann extended a red level wind warning to the whole country on Sunday evening, warning Ophelia would deliver "violent and destructive gusts" in all areas as it passed over Ireland. The severe weather alert was due to run until midnight on Monday.
