SINN Feín MLA, Áine Murphy, has said she is "deeply concerned" about the impact of bank closures in rural Fermanagh. 

She told the Northern Ireland Assembly of the plight facing many people and small businesses who "now have further to travel to get to their closest branch, as a result of ongoing closures".

She continued: "This may not be easy or even possible for some of our most vulnerable. Staff employed in branches will also be concerned about the risk of job losses."

The Ulster Bank branch in Lisnaskea - the last remaining bank branch in the town - closed its doors on March 6.

It was part of a wave of ten branch closures across Northern Ireland, with Ulster Bank citing low use among personal bank customers, and a sharp decrease in counter transactions.

Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald responded to these concerns by emphasising the need to maintain access to essential banking services. 

"That is why I held a roundtable meeting with senior representatives from the local banks last week," Dr. Archibald said.

"I used that meeting to press on them the need to protect the branch network and maintain access to vital banking services here, particularly for our most vulnerable."

She also addressed the importance of developing alternative solutions to support rural communities affected by the closures.

"I also emphasised the importance of quickly rolling out further banking hubs in those areas left without bank branches," she added.