Saturday, June 12, 2021, marked a momentous occasion for First Choice Credit Union Ltd and Swinford & District Credit Union Ltd with the completion of the Transfer of Engagements of Swinford & District Credit Union Ltd to First Choice Credit Union Ltd to become one entity.
The merger creates a Credit Union with over €230 million in assets, making it one of the largest Credit Unions in the West of Ireland, and will operate under the name of First Choice Credit Union Ltd with five branches across County Mayo, located in Achill, Balla, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar and Swinford.
This latest Transfer of Engagements is further evidence of cooperation among Credit Unions for the benefit of all the members and the local communities in which they operate. The Credit Union’s priority is to ensure that the needs of members continue to be met, and planned for, into the future. The result is a strong Credit Union that will deliver accessibility 24/7 and enhanced services to all its members.
Chairperson of the Board of First Choice Credit Union Ltd, James McLoughlin, said; "This is an extremely positive move for members of both our Credit Unions and we’re delighted to form a partnership with a Credit Union which has similar values and vision. It makes perfect sense not only from a financial and member service perspective but also from an administrative one in the current regulatory environment."
Francis Moore, Chairperson of Swinford & District Credit Union Ltd, said: "I am confident that the merger with First Choice Credit Union Ltd will help us to continue to provide an efficient, effective and relevant service to all our members who will now be able to enjoy the added benefits and services that the larger Credit Union brings, while continuing to receive a first-class personal service in the local office."
Indeed, members from the Swinford area will now be able to access a host of additional services provided by First Choice Credit Union Ltd, including: A fully functional Current Account and Mastercard™ Debit Card. Online Banking & Mobile App giving you greater access to your accounts 24/7, 365 days of the year; Online Loan Applications and Digital Signatures meaning you can apply for a loan online, upload your supporting documents online and draw down your approved loan online without the need to call to a branch; Loans for Personal, AGRI and Business purposes; SME Businesses and Primary Producers, should criteria be met, can potentially avail of the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CCGS ); Foreign Exchange, Investments, Pensions and Life Assurance products.
Members will continue to be able to transact their business personally in Swinford or indeed in Achill, Balla, Ballyhaunis, or Castlebar offices. For more information contact First Choice Credit Union Ltd on (094 ) 9022969, email [email protected], visit www.firstchoicecreditunion.ie or call into your local Credit Union branch, where they remain at the heart of the local community.
