Credit Union reflects the growth and needs of the surrounding community

THE CREDIT Union in Firhouse has undergone a significant refurbishment which reflects the growth and needs of the surrounding community – and the technological changes within the financial services in recent years.

Established in 1983, the Firhouse Credit Union was first based in Scoil Treasa before moving to its current premises beside the Firhouse Shopping Centre.

Over the past 34 years, the office has grown with its surrounding community to a membership of 5,000 – with eight staff members currently employed.

However, due to growth in business and changes to how the Credit Union operates, the premises and its layout no longer supported the accessible and personal service that the local office wanted to provide.

Fiona Kane, CEO of Firhouse Credit Union, told The Echo: “Our office was not fit-for-purpose and its layout didn’t support growth in our business, so we carried out a significant refurbishment.

“We now have two interview rooms instead of one, which means that people aren’t waiting as long to meet an officer and conduct their business in private or meet with a staff member for a chat or advice.

“We have also introduced a new counter which provides enhanced access for people with mobility issues or those in a wheelchair and we have created more space for our staff members who are engaging in a lot more back office work due to technological changes such as banking online.”

She added: “The premises is completely different and is now a very modern space that has a beautiful mural on the wall that is made from various paintings from local artists.”

 Over the years, the Firhouse Credit Union has built links with and supported local sports clubs, community groups and schools, with staff hoping that the brighter, more inviting premises, will encourage more people to connect with the local office.

“We do play an active role in the community”, Ms Kane said.

“The ethos of the Credit Union has remained the same over the years and is still about looking after the member and supporting that member to grow with us – and providing funds that have a positive impact on that person and also the surrounding community.

“The relationship between a member and the Credit Union is a mutual one, is community-based and supports self-help.”

On Tuesday, Eoghan Murphy TD, the Minister for Financial Services, eGov and Procurement, officially opened the newly refurbished office alongside local Fine Gael councillor, Brian Lawlor.

During the launch, the Credit Union’s new logo was also launched, which incorporates the fir tree as it is “at the heart of Firhouse”.

For more on Firhouse Credit Union visit www.firhousecu.ie, call 4596118 or follow them on Facebook.