Minister for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance Jennifer Carroll MacNeill met with local credit union representatives in Loughrea this week to discuss the future of the sector.
The Minister met with representatives of Naomh Breandan Credit Union, Ballinasloe Credit Union, Cladagh Credit Union and Gort Credit Union in Loughrea on Thursday.
The visit is part of a nationwide campaign of meetings with the credit union sector being undertaken by the Minister.
Naomh Breandan credit union, was set up here in Loughrea in 1966 to provide credit to the people living in the local community.
Today they have reached close to 14,500 members and continues to grow at a fast pace.
Due to its rapid growth in recent years the credit union opened a sub office in Woodford. This office serves the people of Woodford and surrounding villages.
Margaret Loughnane, Naomh Breandan Credit Union Business Development & Marketing officer said that it was great to meet Minister MacNeill to brief her on their sustainability initiatives.
“Our vision is: ‘Together, building a better tomorrow for our community’, and we are driven to continue to promote NBCU’s importance to its community.”
“Since 2018, together with Sustainable Energy West (SEW), we have produced a five-year Strategic Plan to map out where best to focus its attention in helping to reduce emissions and improve the local environment.”
Minister MacNeill said after the meeting, “Credit unions have a long and proud tradition in Loughrea and East Galway and I was delighted to meet with volunteer directors, management and staff involved with this roundtable event today.”
“I wish to thank Ciaran Cannon TD for instigating the meeting and Margaret and her team at Naomh Breandan CU for arranging the valuable engagement.”
“CU’s are at the heart of communities and this is an exciting time for credit unions with many introducing new and compelling products offerings such as current accounts, SME and agri-loans.”
“Here in Loughrea, the credit union is working with Sustainable Energy West to produce for the community a five-year Sustainable Environment plan to help reduce emissions and improve the local environment.”
The Minister added that she was delighted to hear that these credit unions are well placed for the future.
