News & Events

Minister Bruton welcomes Bank of America announcement

21st March 2012

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, today [Wednesday] welcomed the announcement that Bank of America Europe Card Services has successfully sold its credit card operation in Carrick-on-Shannon serving the Irish market to Apollo, securing 250 of the 650 jobs based there.

The Minister also welcomed the news that the UK operations served by the Carrick facility, which employs the remaining 400 people, are continuing as a going concern, as part of the UK business.

Last August, Bank of America announced that it was exiting the UK and Ireland credit card business. Since then, under the Minister’s direction, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation and the IDA have been heavily involved in the process of seeking to find a solution, which secured the jobs in Carrick-on Shannon. The Minister has twice held talks with Bank of America global CEO Brian Moynihan while on trips to the United States, most recently last month.

Speaking today, Minister Bruton said:

“Bank of America is a massive employer and a huge contributor to the economy in Carrick-on-Shannon and the North-West, and last August’s announcement was a major shock to the region. When I travelled to Carrick shortly after the announcement I pledged that Government would do everything possible in an effort to secure these jobs. Since then an intensive process has taken place and I commend the IDA in particular for their work on this case.

“Today’s announcement secures the 250 jobs employed in the Irish operation, and provides good news for the 400 people employed on the UK business. I will continue to ensure that everything possible is done to secure all jobs in the Carrick-on-Shannon operation for the long-term”.

ENDS

Minister Bruton will be available to speak to the media at 2.00pm at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

ENDS