‘A statement of confidence in the future’

There was a real sense of celebration at Nenagh Credit Union earlier this month as a large crowd gathered for the formal opening of the newly refurbished centre on Kickham St.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance Robert Troy and Tipperary Rose Fiona Kennedy were among the special guests, as those in attendance looked forward to a bright future whilst also acknowledging the achievements of the past.

Nenagh Credit Union has come a very long way from the fledgling institution founded at the Institute on Friar St in 1969. Moving from there to Kenyon St and thereafter Silver St before settling at its Kickham St home in 1996, our credit union has grown and adapted over the decades to meet the needs of the local community.

This is very much reflected in the new facilities that were formally unveiled on Friday, July 3. The Kickham St premises, originally built as a corn store in the nineteenth century, has been tastefully modernised over the last 30 years.

The recent works project was overseen by Glennwood of Tullamore, specialists of credit union fitouts around the country. Glennwood oversaw everything from the installation of a new heating system, to electrics, plumbing, windows, networking and IT facilities, right down to the fitting of bespoke furniture. The refurbishment project created a state-of-the-art new centre with an energy-efficient aircon system that has phased out past reliance on fossil fuel.

Local interior design specialist Celine Forde revamped the furnishings, while Integrated Security of Clonmel installed high-standard access controls and CCTV surveillance.

PRIVACY TO THE FORE

Privacy is to the fore at Nenagh Credit Union, with two meeting rooms for customers to discuss matters with staff in private. New soundproofing measures have also been introduced at the counter, affording a greater degree of privacy for both customers and staff. The large eye-catching image of Nenagh Castle behind the counter was provided by Ormond Historical Society and printed by Nevada signs, Tullamore.

Within the office, an additional 10 desk spaces have been added, enabling capacity for future growth. Nenagh Credit Union presently has a staff of 18, providing a complete range of financial loan services, including the introduction of mortgages at the end of last year. They are supported by a voluntary board of 11 directors.

Our local credit union has grown from just a couple of hundred members in its formative years to some 18,600 today, with assets totalling €94 million. In the last nine months alone, Nenagh Credit Union has issued €12.2 million in loans, money that goes back into the local community by way of building work, car loans, farming, education, and more. The multiplier effect of those loans in the local community is considerable.

TRUSTED BRAND

Marvelling at the new facilities on his visit to Nenagh, Minister Troy – who has responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance – spoke of the credit union movement as integral to every community across Ireland.

“They provide a vital role in supporting communities, in providing ethical member- focussed financial services that always put people before profit. That is a fact that is recognised year after year by virtue of the fact that the credit union brand is one of the most trusted brands on the island of Ireland,” Minister Troy said.

“It is trusted because of the people who are involved with the organisation, the volunteers who serve on the board and the staff who work there in each of the branches.” He was impressed to observe that, even as the ceremony took place, the customer was not “discommoded”, as staff continued to provide services as normal.

‘HEART OF THE COMMUNITY’

“This refurbishment is a statement of confidence in the future of Nenagh Credit Union, a commitment to our members, a clear signal that we are continuing to progress the services, the facilities and experience that our community deserves,” Pat Naughton, CEO of Nenagh Credit Union, stated in his address. “Nenagh Credit Union has been at the heart of the community since 1969. I have been privileged to lead an organisation with such a strong sense of purpose and such deep roots in the lives of our local community.

“Our purpose has been simple but powerful – to provide trusted, ethical and member-focussed financial services rooted in the values of co-operation, fairness and people helping people. That purpose remains as strong today as it has ever been.”

‘AN INVESTMENT IN OUR MEMBERS’

Mr Naughton spoke of how the credit union has moved with the times to meet the changing needs of its members. This is very much evidenced in the new refurbishment.

“It is an investment in modern, accessible and welcoming facilities,” he said. “It’s an investment in greater privacy for our members and better working space for our staff, improved energy efficiency, stronger security and a more flexible environment that can support our continued growth into the future.

“Most importantly, it is an investment in our members. Every decision made throughout this refurbishment was guided by one question: ‘How can we better serve the people who place their trust in us every day?’”

The CEO also talked about the development of modern digital services for members while also maintaining that friendly face-to-face rapport with staff. He took the opportunity to thank all members for their patience and understanding while the works were taking place, and praised the staff for continuing to maintain services throughout. He also thanked the board for their support of the project and belief in the future of the credit union, and he acknowledged the quality of work that went into the refurbishment, something commented favourably on by all.

“As we officially open these renewed offices, we also reaffirm our commitment to the community we serve,” Mr Naughton said. “We remain ambitious for Nenagh Credit Union, we remain committed to growth, innovation and excellence – above all, we remain committed to our members.

“Our founders started this credit union with a belief in people, community and mutual support. Our responsibility is to protect that legacy while preparing for the next generation. This refurbishment is a visible sign of that commitment – a modern office, a stronger organisation and a continued promise to serve.”

‘MAKING YOUR OWN PLACE BETTER’

Also among those in attendance was local TD Ryan O’Meara, a former board member of Nenagh Credit Union and present member of the Oireachtas Committee on Finance. Deputy O’Meara had told his fellow members of that committee that Nenagh is the example that all credit unions in Ireland should be following.

“For me, being in politics was all about community,” he said. “That’s how I got into politics – a sense of community, a sense of volunteerism, a sense of making your own place better – and Nenagh Credit Union is all of that in one.”

Dave Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions, extolled the very impressive financial stats at Nenagh Credit Union, which has achieved 14% lending growth in the year to date.

“That essence of digital when you want it, human when you need it, that’s exactly what credit unions are about and always will be,” he added.

‘HERE TO STAY’

The attendance was furthermore addressed by Brendan Jenkins, President of the Irish League of Credit Unions, who echoed Mr Naughton’s sentiment that the event was more than just an opening but a statement of investment in the local community.

“Our credit unions are here to stay,” Mr Jenkins said. “More importantly, we’re here with people behind the counter to say: ‘hello, how are you, how can we help you?’ – not put over to the corner to a computer.”

Poignantly, Mr Jenkins paused to remember Frank Lynch, former Chairman of Nenagh Credit Union and a past President of the ILCU, who sadly died in a car accident in 2000. Mr Lynch’s wife Mary and daughter Susie were present for the opening ceremony, and the late chairman was accorded a round of applause.