Petition to be launched over changes to Mayo credit union opening hours

AN online petition is to be launched to see changes to opening hours at some branches of First Choice Credit Union reversed.

The matter was raised in the Seanad by Senator Mark Duffy yesterday, and east Mayo Councillor Alma Gallagher has urged fellow councillors to hold positive discussions with First Choice Credit Union to reverse their plans for reduced opening hours.

The changes affect five branches - Achill, Balla, Ballyhaunis, Swinford and Kiltimagh – and are due to come into effect on June 14.

Ballyhaunis-based Councillor Gallagher raised the matter at the monthly Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District meeting, where she said the move flies in the face of the credit union's unique selling point - face to face engagement.

They are at the heart of the community, and the members are its heart, she commented.

Councillor Gallagher said she met with credit union representatives along with Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce and hoped they would review and reconsider their decision.

The board, she said, committed to providing them with a decision or proposal by May 9 but has since received notification that the decision on the new hours has been deferred to a board meeting scheduled for May 27.

In light of this, she said, Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce is taking the initiative to launch an online petition shortly.