14 June 2007

Bank of Ireland transfer of Bristol & West plc business to Bank of Ireland

Further to the announcement on 6 June 2007 in relation to Bristol & West's proposed banking business transfer scheme under Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "Scheme"), the High Court in London has set a date of 17 September 2007 for the Court hearing to consider the Scheme. If approved by the Court, the Scheme is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2007. Further details about the Transfer and the Court process will be set out in an explanatory statement to be made available on Bank of Ireland's website at www.boi.com/bwtransfer, or on request (contact 0845 300 5607 or The Transfer Department, Bristol & West plc, One Temple Back East, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6DX), from 20 June 2007.

/ends

Enquiries:-

Dan Loughrey, Head of Group Corporate Communications 00-353-1-604-3833