27 June 2024
Important Announcement regarding Branch Closure
Dear Member,
I hope this finds you in good health. It is with heavy heart that I write to you on behalf of the Board of Directors of Connect Credit Union, that we must announce the closure of our Kilsaran & Clogherhead branch on Friday 30th August 2024 at 6pm. While this decision was not easy, it is however, necessary for our Credit Union’s sustainability and viability. As you may be aware, the Credit Union business model has evolved greatly in the last number of years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of members availing of our online service offerings. We are very proud that we have developed a modern and enhanced online platform in line with our members’ needs. This platform provides full financial services from joining and becoming a member to applying for a loan or a current account to all our members at their leisure 24/7 and without having to be restricted to the limited opening hours of their local branch.
Please note that this decision was not taken lightly, and we trust that you will appreciate, it is one that had to be made for the greater benefit of our Credit Union and all our members in the long term.
With the online activities continuing to increase month on month, the footfall in some of our branches has seen a steadily decline. We would like to reassure you as our valued member, that we will continue to support you and will endeavour to meet all your financial needs in the future.
We would like to remind you that you can continue carrying out your Credit Union business in person in our Blackrock, Dundalk and Termonfeckin branches. Your loyalty and cooperation to this Credit Union is highly valued.
Should you have any queries or wish to discuss this matter further, please submit your inquiry to inquiries@connectcu.ie or alternatively you can call 042 9372400 and one of our dedicated Member Services Officers will address your inquiry.
Yours sincerely,
Stephen Johnston
Chairperson
Connect Credit Union Board of Directors
Please find Frequently Asked Questions below regarding our Branch Closure of Kilsaran and Clogherhead. If you have any further queries, please contact (042) 937 2400 or inquiries@connectcu.ie
Following a recent review of our branch network, we have identified that the footfall in our Kilsaran and Clogherhead branches has continued to decline with a preference of members to carry out their credit union business via our online channels and in other branches. Upon the completion of that review the Board of Directors made the decision to close Kilsaran and Clogherhead branches with effect from 30th August 2024 at 6pm.
Yes, your member number and all your account details such as IBAN and BIC will remain the same.
You can go to your nearest branch i.e., if you’re from Clogherhead your nearest branch would be our Termonfeckin branch and if you’re from Kilsaran, your nearest branch would be Blackrock branch. Don’t forget that you can go to our Dundalk branch too, which is open 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday). Alternatively, you can access your Credit Union account online via our website www.connectcu.ie or our mobile app 24/7.
Your account and online access including your access PIN will not be affected at all, this will only affect a number of our members who have been using our Kilsaran and Clogherhead branches for in-person transactions. As of the 30th of August, they will no longer be able to transact in these branches, however, in-person services can be accessed in all of our three branches in Blackrock, Dundalk and Termonfeckin.
You continue to be a valued member of Connect Credit Union. We would like to reassure you that Connect Credit Union is fully committed to operating in your community and that members will be able to undertake all of their business either online or in any of our opened branches which are all within a short distance from one another.
- All members have an existing unique BIC and IBAN which enables them to transfer funds electronically and directly to their credit union account.
- Remote payment options: Members can make payments over the phone or online with your Debit Card.
- Enhanced online loan application; Members can apply for a loan online, in branch or through the app and can collect the loan online through our secure Docusign facility.
- Members can also use any of our remaining branches across our branch network in Blackrock, Dundalk and Termonfeckin. Our Clogherhead branch is 4km away from our Termonfeckin branch and the Kilsaran Branch is only 7km away from our Blackrock branch.
- We offer a Members Personal Current Account Service with a globally accepted debit card to allow access to funds 24/7.
- We offer full online facilities at www.connectcu.ie and full telephone service six days per week on 042 937 2400.
Connect Credit Union is in a strong position. Our ability to lend is in no way affected by these branch closures. In fact, this decision will enable us to provide even more competitive rates to our members. We continue to provide valuable loan services to the local communities we serve. You can apply for a loan online, on the app from the convenience of your home at any time that suits you. Or alternatively, you can visit one of our branches in Blackrock, Dundalk and Termonfeckin.
We can assure you that your savings remain safe and secure at Connect Credit Union. We are a financially strong and stable Credit union. In addition, your savings continue to be guaranteed by the Government Deposit Guarantee Scheme up to €100k.
Yes, absolutely. Face-to-face personal services are a core objective of Connect Credit Union. While many members may choose to use our digital services, we are committed to maintaining personal service and encourage members to borrow from us to enable us to continue to respond to their financial needs as a valued member of Connect Credit Union.
The credit union's main purpose is to support members' financial needs to provide the best customer experience whether it may be face-to-face or an online platform as we believe in building personal relationships. Our staff are local and have been part of the community and supporting multiple communities such as GAA club's local and primary/secondary schools. As well as community support and member prioritisation, we also provide more affordable financial products and services such as current accounts. At Connect Credit Union when coming into the branch you will speak to real people that will go the extra mile to help you with enquiries. When talking to a staff member on the phone, you will be sure to talk to one of our local staff members and not deal with an unknown third party. The credit Union is owned by its members unlike the bank where their focus is to make a profit for their shareholders. The major decisions are made by the board members with their best interest in mind.
Yes, the board has legal rights to make strategic and financial decisions on behalf of all members in Connect Credit Union, as each director is elected democratically annually at our AGMs. The Board is extremely conscious of its governance responsibility and accountability to all members of Connect Credit Union. It is also incumbent on the Board to ensure the economic viability of every aspect of the credit union’s operations. It was deemed both necessary and responsible to take this action.
