Pre-close trading statement 5 September 2007

Anglo Irish Bank Corporation plc
Pre-close trading statement 5 September 2007

Summary

The Bank will deliver strong results for the year ended 30 September 2007. Our relationship focused business model has ensured continued momentum across our businesses throughout the period.

Reflecting this performance we anticipate earnings per share will exceed current estimated market consensus of 124 cent* by 5 cent.

Business performance

The Bank has again delivered high quality loan growth across all its geographies. We anticipate customer lending balances to increase in the mid 30% range for the full year. This strong performance in our core business reflects the opportunities available to us in each of our key markets. Most importantly, asset quality is robust while interest margins remain stable. Lending work in progress continues to replenish and is expected to exceed the level reported at March 2007.

It has been another strong period for the Bank’s Treasury division with growth in customer funding close to €15 billion year to date – an increase of some 40%. This performance, together with the Group’s consistent strategy of raising capital market funding ahead of requirements, contributes to the Bank’s excellent liquidity position.

During the period we raised over €1.8 billion in additional capital. Our Tier 1 capital position is strong at in excess of 8% leaving the Bank very well placed for the future.

We continue to invest in the recruitment and development of talented professionals in order to capitalise on the significant opportunities for growth which we see across our businesses.

David Drumm, Group Chief Executive, commented:

“The Bank will deliver another record performance in 2007. We believe that the current uncertainty in markets demonstrates the attractiveness of our unique relationship driven model. Accordingly, we are fully committed to our proven strategy and are confident that it will continue to deliver high quality growth in 2008 and beyond.”

*Excluding the €22 million pre-tax profit from the sale of the Bank's Isle of Man trust activities in December 2006.

Note:
Preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2007 will be released on Wednesday 28 November 2007.

Contact details:

David Drumm, Group Chief Executive
Willie McAteer, Group Finance Director
Matt Moran, Chief Financial Officer
Anglo Irish Bank
Tel: +353 1 616 2003

Billy Murphy Drury Communications Tel: +353 1 260 5000

ENDS

5 September 2007