Ulster Bank’s announcement this morning that it is exiting its operations in the State is a devastating blow that will be felt acutely by workers in it five branches in Mayo.

That's the view of Erris based Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh who says today’s announcement is a hammer blow for workers, communities, mortgage holders and small businesses.

Deputy Conway Walsh says Ulster Bank has been a significant employer in her hometown of Belmullet and says the full rights of the employees must be protected.