10 August 2026
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Bank of Ireland has introduced new measures across its branch network to support customers who may need some extra help with their everyday banking needs.
As part of recent branch upgrades, 37 branches have received neuro-inclusive accreditation including Ballincollig, Blackpool, Little Island, and Carrigaline. 44 more branches are planned by the end of this year, and the programme will continue into 2027. In addition, new ‘Speak Easy’ communication cards will be available in all 168 branches, enhancing accessibility for customers who experience communication difficulties.
These new measures reinforce the bank’s commitment to delivering an inclusive and accessible customer experience through both branch design and practical assistance tools.
37 branches have achieved neuro-inclusive accreditation from auticon, the world’s largest autistic-majority IT consultancy and social enterprise. This accreditation assessment focused on consistency, accessibility, capability and confidence and will help create a calmer, more accessible environment for a wider range of customers. Branch employees will undergo neuro inclusion training to ensure neurodivergent customers are served consistently well.
Bank of Ireland is the first bank in the Republic to introduce the ‘Speak Easy’ cards. These easy-to-use cards feature simple images, colours and phrases to help customers with common banking requests and support needs such as checking an account balance, reporting a lost debit card, or accessing online support.
Pictured are (L:R): Claire Murray, Head of Inclusion & Diversity. Bank of Ireland; Áine McCleary, Group Chief Customer Officer, Bank of Ireland; and Alan Durcan, Director Distribution Channels & Branch Network, Bank of Ireland. Pic:Naoise Culhane-no fee
Jane Kealy, Director of Group Customer Outcomes at Bank of Ireland said: “The launch of Speak Easy Cards, alongside our neuroinclusive branch spaces, is another important step in our ambition to be a truly inclusive and accessible bank. We want every customer to feel supported in managing their financial needs, and initiatives like these can help build confidence and make banking easier for everyone.”
Alan Durcan, Distribution Director at Bank of Ireland said: “I am pleased to see the introduction of Speak Easy Cards in all of our 168 branches across the Republic. It is an important step in making branch banking easier to navigate and more welcoming for customers. From how a branch environment feels, to how customers communicate with us, thoughtful design and simple tools can make a real difference.”
These initiatives add to the Bank of Ireland’s existing range of accessibility supports, including investment in new ATMs featuring high-contrast screens and an earphone socket that enables audio guidance throughout the transaction, SignVideo services for customers who use sign language, support of the Irish Text Relay Service, participation in the JAM Card and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower schemes, and access to alternative communication formats such as Braille, large print and audio documents.
Information on accessibility supports available can be found at: Extra Help Centre – Bank of Ireland.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Speak Easy Cards
- Customers can use the Speak Easy Cards to request services such as checking an account balance, replacing a debit card, accessing online banking support or asking for additional assistance.
- Speak Easy Cards were originally developed by Nationwide Building Society with input from the Stroke Association and the British Institute for Learning Disabilities.
- They are designed to help customers who have difficulty speaking or communicating face to face, when carrying out their banking activity in a branch.
- Each card has a commonly used banking phrase or request and a picture to show what the card means.
- Customers can find the card they want and show it to a branch colleague to start a conversation.
- Customers can also access the full range of Speak Easy cards on the Bank’s Extra Help Centre, which also provides dedicated guidance and support for customers, carers and families.
Neuro-inclusive branches
- Part of Bank of Ireland’s Neuroinclusion Strategy, which includes a suite of policies and process improvements to support neurodivergent colleagues, candidates and customers
- These include quiet spaces, dimmable lighting, clearer signage, and accessible ATMs
- Design choices aim to reduce stress and improve ease of navigation.
About Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland is a diversified financial services group serving more than four million customers across Ireland, the UK, and the EU. Its services span consumer, business and corporate banking, wealth management, life and pensions, specialist finance, and asset finance and contract hire. The Group includes Davy, New Ireland Assurance, Northridge Finance and Marshall Leasing. Bank of Ireland operates a full‑service retail bank in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In the UK, it provides mortgages through the intermediary market and is the largest provider of consumer foreign exchange through its partnership with the UK Post Office.