Four AIB branches are to close in Mayo, while nine will close in Connacht in total.

The changes were announced by AIB yesterday, as part of its half year results.

AIB has announced it's raising its standard variable mortgage interest rate by half of one per cent.

For owner-occupiers, the rate will now be three-point-five per cent.

The branches to close in Mayo are Ballyhaunis, Belmullet, Charlestown and Kiltimagh. In Sligo the Colloney branch will close. In Roscommon the Boyle and Ballaghaderreen branches will close, while in Galway the Carraroe and Portumna branch will close.

In total across the country 45 sub offices will close and six branch amalgamations will take place from October.

There will be a further 16 branch closures next year.