Durrow, Mountrath, and Rathdowney credit unions are facing a drastic reduction in the number of days they will be open for business.
As things currently stand, the opening times for each credit union will soon be reduced by over 30%.
Carmel Butler, CEO of St Canice’s Credit Union, announced that the cuts in opening hours will come into effect from October.
Mountrath will then be open for only three days per week, while Rathdowney and Durrow will be open just two days per week.
Former Director of Rathdowney Credit Union, Brian Phelan, has started a petition the keep these credit unions open for longer, citing their huge importance to the local communities.
“The local credit union is the lifeblood of these small rural towns,” Mr Phelan said.
“Many young people and elderly members are dependent on the credit union after closures of the bank of Ireland in each town .
“The credit union and its hard working staff have served local people through good times and bad for decades. This is now under threat.
“Now is the time to act before these cuts take effect. This is the beginning of the hollowing out of these branches .
“There are vulnerable people who depend on the credit union and have trusted it for generations.
“If these cuts take effect staff will be made redundant, further cuts in opening days will follow and older people will be forced to hold cash in their homes, making them a target for burglaries.
“We need to stand up now before it’s too late.”
Mr Phelan told Laois Today that he believes the decision is being made “with black and amber glasses,” as the Laois branches of St Canice’s are being disproportionately effected.
Ballyragget in Kilkenny, for example, will remain open for four days – despite having a considerably smaller population that Rathdowney, which will be open for half that time.
Mr Phelan is asking that as many people as possible please sign the petition to demand that Ms Butler reverses the decision.
To help prevent St Canice’s credit union closing these vital branches, you can sign the petition here.
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