RIP Laura Buckley Noonan
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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Peter 'Chap' Cleere, has called for the support of extending Credit Unions house lending even further in the market.
Deputy Cleere, having worked in financial services for twenty years, said that there has been over 50% of an increase in house lending year on year in Credit Unions.
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"As a man from a financial background, I know the vital role that Credit Unions play in local communities. Whether that’s supporting community projects, loans for motor and home improvements, or house lending," Cleere stated.
"I believe that credit unions can evolve even more and be another tool in our arsenal when it comes to home lending. In 2023, there was €550.1 million outstanding on home loans, and that figure rose to €784.3 million in 2024. I have no doubt that this will increase further in 2025.
"I welcome that the idea that merging credit unions is already happening in different communities across the country. In my own constituency of Carlow/Kilkenny, Bagenalstown Credit Union and St Canice’s Credit Union in Kilkenny merged a few years ago to form under the St Canice’s branch," the local TD continued.
This week, there was news that Dundalk Credit Union and Fairview in Dublin are in talks about becoming a 'super credit union', something Cleere reckons will only benefit its members.
"I know that mortgages have now started to be offered in St Canice’s and some of their 57,000+ members can borrow up to €350,000 for a mortgage. They also provide other variable options when it comes to home lending and improvements also.
"This is a huge step forward, particularly with the option of mortgages. This provides first time buyers more variety when choosing their mortgage provider," he said.
"We need to support the Credit Union sector, grow their housing loan book, invest in the Credit Union improved Housing-Body Fund, and continue the provision of loans for home improvements, and retrofits.
"We need to engage with all stakeholders and listen to all considerations of how we can expand the credit union loans in the housing market," the Skeogh native concluded.
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