Roscommon Credit Union officially launched their ATM service on Thursday, 22nd of June 2023 at all four branch offices, i.e. Roscommon Town, Ballaghaderreen, Elphin and Strokestown.
David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) was on hand to officially launch this new community service, along with Bernie Moran, CEO of Roscommon Credit Union, John Devaney, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Will Caffrey and Marin Boskovic from Cennox, board members, staff, local representatives and – importantly – credit union members.
Special guests on the day included the very first members of each of the branch offices, each of whom marked the occasion with a symbolic ATM withdrawal.
‘Fantastic addition’
Bernie Moran, CEO, Roscommon Credit Union believes the ATMs will be a fantastic addition to their service offering, and will immediately add to the success and vibrancy of our local towns, which aligns with the credit union’s vision of supporting members 24/7 to meet their ever-changing financial needs.
Speaking about the importance of credit unions and their role in the provision of community financial services, David Malone, CEO, ILCU noted now more than ever access to cash is needed for social inclusion. He went on to say as a progressive credit union, Roscommon CU is not only serving its valued members, but indeed all sectors of society with the introduction of an ATM service. This new service compounds the credit union ethos of service and care to its members and the wider communities it serves.
On the day, the first member in each of the branches was invited to make the first transaction, withdrawing funds from the newly launched ATM. Mary Shanagher started the withdrawals in Strokestown, with Fr. Johnston transacting in Ballaghaderreen, Marie Lee was up next in Elphin, and finally Derry O’Donnell was welcomed to our Roscommon office to mark the occasion.
John Devaney, Chairperson, Roscommon Board of Directors noted how marvellous it was to be joined by the credit union’s first member from each branch office and to celebrate this wonderful day in our history.
Local representatives
Local representatives were present on the day to join in the celebrations. Then-Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tom Crosby highlighted the need for ATM services in rural areas, noting cash transactions are still very much part of daily life. He commended Roscommon CU for providing such a service, noting both Elphin and Strokestown were left devastated by the removal of ATMs on their main streets with the withdrawal of the banks.
Senator Eugene Murphy thanked CEO Bernie Moran and the board of directors of Roscommon Credit Union for continuing to invest in rural areas, not only for its members but also the local communities. Councillor Valerie Byrne thanked Roscommon CU for installing the ATMs. She spoke of the need for cash once retailers close, giving an example of how taxi drivers had to bring people to other towns to access cash before appointments or nights out once the bank left their town, leaving Elphin and its people feeling neglected.
The machines in the four towns are located to the front of the credit union offices, ensuring members and the wider community have convenient access to cash withdrawals 24 hours a day. The ATM machines accept debt and credit cards from all financial service providers.
Promotional loans at Roscommon Credit Union
To meet member needs and demand, Roscommon Credit Union have introduced three new promotional loans for a limited time, a ‘GREEN’ loan for energy-efficient home upgrades and additions, including new windows and doors, insulation, and solar panels.
The GREEN loan also covers electric vehicles and charging units. At a rate of 6.3% (Apr 6.49%), it’s the lowest rate for green loans currently on the market and is available to our members until the end of September.
Bernie Moran, CEO, Roscommon Credit Union, said non-members can join and apply for any of their promotional loans straight away.
“There is no waiting or saving period required. Simply visit us in branch, call us or visit our website www.roscommoncu.ie to learn more”.
Bernie also noted the popularity of car loans at Roscommon Credit Union, with the latest car offer of 6.5% (Apr 6.7%), being extremely popular with members.
The credit union have reintroduced their educational loan at a preferential rate of 6% (Apr 6.17%) for parents and third-level students to ease the burden of attending college.
Information on all Roscommon Credit Union’s loans are available on the www.roscommoncu.ie website or by emailing loans@roscommoncu.ie. Members can also calculate repayments with their online loan calculator on the website.
While the launch day was all about the ATM service, we cannot forget the host of FREE member services and benefits, including free loan protection, a free make a will service, online and mobile banking services, allowing members to apply and download a loan electronically and importantly our bi-annual member only cash prize draw which takes place on Thursday, July 13th, 2023, with a first prize of €10,000 and 10 cash prizes in total to be won. Entry in branch only; please call us on 090 6626657 to check if you are already entered.
From strength to strength
Roscommon Credit Union is going from strength to strength. Bernie Moran (CEO) credits this to 15,000+ members, a figure which, through their loyalty and support, continues to grow month on month, and avail of loans. Over the last few months alone, we have lent over €1 million to our members each month. Both Bernie and the Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the members for their continued trust and loyalty.
A thank you
Finally, a special word of thanks to our growing staff from all four branch offices, who provide a friendly, personal, and professional touch to everything we do. Credit unions consistently rank number one in both the Ireland RepTrak® and the Customer Experience annual studies, which measures public trust and sentiment towards hundreds of Irish organisations.
Bernie Moran believes it’s the friendly manner of the staff our members deal with on a daily basis that ensures credit unions remain in first place as they have done for the past eight consecutive years.
