CONSTRUCTION work has started on a new £350,000 premises for Enniskillen Credit Union on Darling Street.

The building, not far from the Credit Union’s current home on Head Street, was acquired by the organisation a number of years ago. 

Work is due to be completed on September 30 this year.

Speaking to the Impartial Reporter this week, Enniskillen Credit Union director Michael Keown, who is chairman of the subcommittee overseeing the project, said: “The new building is nothing more than our members deserve.”

Mr Keown admitted that space was a big problem at their existing office, which is actually housed in a converted garage!

The director said: “Before moving into our present location in Head Street in December 1990, the Credit Union had been previously based at an address in Darling Street. 

“When it came to selling that building, we split it into two sites and sold the front part.”

Director Mr Keown explained: “We kept the back part, which was a garage, and converted it into our existing office.”

He said that the new Darling Street office would be a lot more spacious and user-friendly for members.

While the area for the public in the existing building is very small, he said that the plans for the ground floor of the new premises include provision for three counters, a seating area and a separate interview room for private business, such as loan applications.

There will also be special low-level counter space for wheel-chair users, Mr Keown added.

Describing the plans for the new premises as “something a bit more befitting” for the organisation, the director also revealed that there would be a fully-functioning board room for members.

This means that the Credit Union will no longer have to hold events such as the annual meeting or schools’ quiz in other venues.

Enniskillen Credit Union Ltd was one of the first credit unions to establish in the county of Fermanagh, opening for business in August 1968. 

It has completed almost 48 years of service to the local community, providing access to affordable credit for thousands of members living and working within Enniskillen.

Currently there are just over 5,000 members, who have savings at present totalling £7.1 million. Of those funds, £2.8 million are currently back out on loan to members.

Hopeful that the new building on Darling Street will allow the organisation to expand even further, and also attract younger savers, Mr Keown said: “The hard work of past and present board members, volunteers and staff have already laid a solid foundation on which the new office will allow us to serve our community for many years to come.”

The Credit Union’s new premises has been designed by architect Dan McNulty, from Omagh, and is being built by McCusker Contracts, from Dromore.

Until the work is finished, Enniskillen Credit Union will continue to operate six days a week from Head Street, from Monday to Saturday between 9.30am and 5pm.