Double ESG Success for Kilrush Credit Union During Sustainable September

As Kilrush Credit Union marks Sustainable September, we are proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement, being named both ESG Leadership of the Year and ESG Team of the Year at the Workplace Excellence Awards 2026. These awards recognise organisations and individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles through meaningful action and measurable impact.

For us, ESG is not simply a framework or a reporting requirement. It is about making a positive difference in the lives of our members, strengthening our communities and ensuring that we operate responsibly for future generations. Over the past number of years, ESG has become embedded in everything we do, from how we deliver services and reduce our environmental footprint to how we support education, community development and financial inclusion across West Clare.

The awards recognise the collective efforts of our dedicated ESG Committee and Green Team, alongside the support of our staff, volunteers and Board of Directors. They also shine a spotlight on the exceptional leadership of Áine Thompson, who received the ESG Leadership Award for her role in driving sustainability initiatives throughout the organisation. As Operations Manager and Chair of the ESG Committee, Áine has played a key role in turning ambition into action, encouraging collaboration, empowering colleagues to bring forward ideas and ensuring ESG remains at the heart of decision-making.

One of the areas recognised by the judges was our commitment to reducing our environmental impact through digital transformation. Today, more than 80% of member transactions are conducted digitally, helping to significantly reduce paper consumption while making services more convenient and accessible. The introduction of electronic signature pads, digital processes and the promotion of eStatements have helped move the credit union towards a near-paperless environment, reducing waste while improving the member experience. These changes have already generated both environmental and operational benefits.

As part of Sustainable September, we are continuing to encourage members to make small changes that collectively make a big difference. Signing up for eStatements, using our online services and participating in future electronic AGMs are all simple steps that help reduce paper usage while supporting a more sustainable future for the credit union and our community.

The awards also recognised the breadth of ESG initiatives delivered by Kilrush Credit Union over the past year. A key example is our Rewilding for Wellbeing Project, developed in partnership with Clarecare, Corlann, Woodwebs and Vandeleur Gardens. The project transformed an underutilised space into a fully accessible biodiversity garden designed to support older people and those living with Alzheimer's. More than just a garden, it has become a place of connection, creativity and wellbeing, with participants engaging in biodiversity workshops, art sessions, upcycling projects and guided walks.

Education has also been a major focus of our ESG journey. Through the Knook Books initiative, personalised storybooks were delivered to 17 primary schools across West Clare, creating a unique reading experience where every child could see themselves reflected in the story. The project helped encourage literacy, build confidence and foster a love of reading among hundreds of young students. Similarly, our partnership with Studyclix provided full access to online study resources for more than 450 secondary school students, helping remove barriers to educational support and improving exam preparation and confidence.

Our commitment to sustainability also extends to lending. Green lending now represents 19% of lending year-to-date, supporting members who are investing in home energy improvements, renewable technologies and more sustainable choices. At the same time, we remain committed to financial inclusion, ensuring affordable finance continues to be available to members from all walks of life.

Speaking following the awards, Fiona Walsh, CEO of Kilrush Credit Union, said:

"These awards are a wonderful recognition of the commitment, creativity and passion shown by our staff, volunteers and Board. ESG is not something that sits separately from our work, it is woven into everything we do. Whether it is supporting local students, developing community wellbeing projects, helping members make sustainable choices or reducing our own environmental footprint, we are committed to creating positive impact across West Clare."

She added: