History

The first Irish Credit Union was formed in the late 1950’s and the movement spread throughout the country over the following decades. Fr William O’Mahoney and twelve others were the founder members of Portlaoise Credit Union in 1969.

Initially operating from Gowings Shop on Main Street, the Credit Union subsequently moved to an office at Odlums Mills and later purchased its own office on the New Road. Currently it is located on James Fintan Lalor Avenue at Lyster Square.

Until the late 1970’s, the Credit Union was run entirely by volunteers. Over the following years the day-to-day operations were handed over gradually to full time staff. Currently, a Manager and eighteen staff administer the Credit Union. The voluntary input remains strong with the Credit Committee, Credit Control Committee and Supervisory Committee meeting weekly.

Improvements in information technology have allowed the Credit Union to offer more and more services to members in an efficient and cost-effective manner.