'Exciting new chapter' - significant new investment in Ballina town centre
"Our investment in Pearse Street reflects our confidence in the future of Ballina and our commitment to providing the very best environment for our members and staff."
Ballina is preparing to welcome a significant new investment in its town centre, as work gets underway on Ballina Credit Union’s new premises on Pearse Street, marking an exciting new chapter for the community.
For generations, the credit union has been an integral part of life in Ballina, supporting families and local organisations through changing economic circumstances and periods of growth. The commencement of work on the new building marks not only an investment in bricks and mortar, but also a renewed commitment to the people and communities it has served for decades.
The move to Pearse Street will represent the fifth chapter in the credit union’s history in Ballina. Many long-standing members still remember its earliest home, where Shaw’s stands today, while others recall the years spent on Barrett Street and Tolan Street. In more recent times, O’Rahilly Street has become synonymous with the organisation, serving as the base from which it has expanded its services and strengthened its role at the heart of the community.
Throughout those moves, one thing has remained constant: the commitment of Ballina Credit Union to put people first. Built on the principle of members helping members, it has remained a trusted presence in the town, providing financial support and guidance to generations of local families while maintaining the personal connections that distinguish it from larger institutions.
As work progresses on Pearse Street, the organisation is creating a modern and welcoming space designed to meet the needs of both current and future members. The development will provide enhanced facilities for members and staff, while preserving the face-to-face service and access to cash that continue to play such an important role in community banking.
The credit union has also acknowledged the contribution of the O’Rahilly Street community and neighbouring businesses, whose support over many years has helped shape the organisation into what it is today.
Chairperson David Dwane said the project reflects both confidence in the future of Ballina and the organisation’s determination to continue investing in its members.
“Our investment in Pearse Street reflects our confidence in the future of Ballina and our commitment to providing the very best environment for our members and staff. The new premises will create an entirely different experience, with modern, state-of-the-art facilities, continued access to cash services and, most importantly, safeguard the personal face-to-face service that remains at the heart of everything we do.”
Mr Dwane also thanked members for their patience as the project moves through the design and construction phases.
“We are greatly encouraged by the level of interest and excitement surrounding the move and by the number of members asking us when we are moving. It is wonderful to know that our members are as excited about this next chapter as we are, and we look forward to welcoming them to Pearse Street in the future.”
Chief Executive Officer Maria Padden described the development as an investment not only in the credit union itself, but in the wider community it serves.
“The Pearse Street office represents much more than a new location for the credit union. It is an investment in our members, our staff and the future of community banking in Ballina. We are excited to see work begin and look forward to creating a space that is modern, accessible and welcoming, while continuing to deliver the personal service that our members value so highly.”
While the move to Pearse Street remains some time away, the commencement of works marks the beginning of an important new chapter in the credit union’s story. As construction progresses, members and the wider community can expect regular updates as the organisation prepares for its next home in the heart of Ballina.
