Credit Unions implementing preventative measures
CREDIT Unions across the county have implemented measures to assist customers carry out their business while at the same time supporting the national effort to tackle the Covid-19 crisis.
Speaking to this newspaper about measures introduced in Enniscorthy Credit Union the branche’s Business Development and Marketing Officer, Áine Doyle, said the branch is open as normal because it’s an essential service for members.
However, she also outlined some of the measures that have been introduced such as social distancing and other practical measures aimed at safeguarding customers and staff.
‘We are currently restricting access to eight members at a time,’ said Ms Doyle.
The credit unions are also asking that members call in about essential transactions only such as withdrawals and lodgements.
Posters, floor signs and staff will remind customers to remain apart from other people while in the Post Office and in some outlets tables have been placed in front of counters to ensure that proper social distancing protocols are adhered to.
‘We would like to remind members about how they can transact with the credit union without physically visiting one of our offices,’ said Ms Doyle.
‘All loan applications are currently being done over the phone and by email [and] you can also submit a loans enquiry,’ she added.
Credit Unions around the county can be contacted as follows: Enniscorthy Credit Union (053 9233835); Email – info@enniscorthycu.ie; Submit a loans query – loans@enniscorthycu.ie; Online query – online@enniscorthycu.ie; Query about paying back a loan – creditcontrol@ enniscorthycu.ie.
Members can also apply for an online pin number so they access their account online 24-hours-per-day all year around.
Through online access credit union members across the county can view and print statements, pay into their Credit Union using a debit card, transfer money between Credit Union accounts, transfer money to bank accounts, pay bills from Credit Union accounts, pay regular standing orders, apply for loans online and access the cuAnywhere App.
Wexford Credit Union is also operating in a similar fashion and members are reminded to sign up to online access if they prefer not to go into the office in person.
Members wishing to make a payment by credit card can do so by phoning 053 9123909 (phone lines are open six days-a-week from Monday to Saturday).
To register for online service to the Wexford Credit Union website and click on the ‘online access’ tab and follow the instructions.
For loan applications phone the credit union directly or email loans@wexfordcreditunion.ie.
If someone has physical money or a cheque to lodge they can do so by placing the lodgement into an envelope and fill out details on the docket provided and post it through a hatch in the secure cash box located just inside the first set of doors.
In the event that Covid-19 prevents public access to the credit union all electronic payments including standing orders will be processed as normal.
New Ross Credit Union is also working at minimising the disruption for members while at the same time keeping members and staff safe.
The organisation is encouraging members to sign up and avail of its many online operational services.
Members registered for online banking can avail of the following services via the New Ross Credit Union website or mobile app: Transfer funds from the credit union account to an external bank account; Transfer funds internally from a credit union savings account to a loan account; Pay bills; View and print statements; Complete a loan application and apply for a current account of debit card.
New Ross Credit Union can be contacted by phone at 051 421143 and it’s opened six daysper-week, Monday to Friday, from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., and from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Altura Credit Union Ltd, in Gorey, is also operating as normal and is ensuring that the branch is clean and safe for members.
Members are encouraged to adhere to social distance guidelines of at least keeping one metre between people.
Anyone not wishing to enter the branch at present can contact it through 053 9488700 for general queries or 1850345925 for loan and overdraft queries.