A credit union in Co Tipperary has officially re-opened its headquarters 60 years after its foundation.
Clonmel Credit Union began with 63 members and a total capital of £94.
It now has 32,000 members to whom it lends €25 million every year.
Minister of State at the Department of Finance Jennifer Carroll MacNeill unveiled the refurbished building on Parnell Street and paid tribute to the Credit Union movement at large for its work within communities.
President of Clonmel Credit Union Terry Stafford said it has loaned €680 million to members since the union's foundation 60 years ago.
"Our ethos has not changed but the business has," he said. "We are, and always will be, a community-based member-owned bank offering financial services to local businesses and families."
Minister Carroll MacNeill, who has responsibility for financial services, credit unions and insurance as part of her portfolio, said those who have led Clonmel Credit Union over the years have "professionally and passionately" served their locality by putting their members first.
"They remain progressive and forward-thinking and continue to adapt their offering to meet the evolving needs of the individuals, families and businesses they serve.
"Clonmel Credit Union is firmly rooted in the business life of their community and with the addition of card services, online transactions and provision of mortgages - they are providing for the banking needs of members today and into the future".
The minister also said that she was impressed by recent energy-efficient renovations to the building "which shows a commitment to the environment and will help our path to achieving our national carbon reduction target".
The recent €2.5m refurbishment of the premises the Credit Union has occupied since 1993, when members left the former Ritz Cinema in the town, has allowed it to achieve "substantial energy savings" while new IT infrastructure has enabled the launch of online services.
CEO Padraig Enright said: "We are now offering a full range of services including mortgages at a very competitive rate, agricultural and business loans, as well as the holiday, motor and refurbishment loans that we are well known for.
"Our business is growing year on year and the reaction to our new online services has been very positive."
