March University of Galway Tax Clinic and Galway credit unions launch free tax support partnership

The University of Galway Tax Clinic, Claddagh Credit Union and St Columba’s Credit Union have announced a new partnership that will provide credit union members with free, confidential tax support. 

Launched at the University’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, the initiative combines the University of Galway’s tax expertise with the community networks of Claddagh and St Columba’s Credit Unions.  

The partnership is designed to provide credit union members with accessible, confidential tax guidance, supporting improved tax literacy and financial confidence within local communities. 

Colm Cleary, Chair of St Columba’s Credit Union, said: “This partnership means we can connect our members with expert, confidential tax support. It’s about building confidence and helping people understand their rights and responsibilities, which is what community finance is all about.” 

Louise Shields, CEO of Claddagh Credit Union, said: “Our members trust us to support their financial wellbeing, and being able to offer free tax support through the Tax Clinic strengthens that relationship and shows what we can achieve when community organisations work together.” 

The University of Galway Tax Clinic was established in 2020 and is Ireland's first free tax clinic. Originally founded to support University students, it has since expanded through community partnerships to assist vulnerable members of society. The clinic works with a number of community partners, including an ongoing collaboration with Galway Public Libraries, and serves clients referred through COPE Galway and Longford Women's Link.  

The clinic also serves as a training ground for the next generation of student tax advisors, who gain hands-on experience under the guidance of professional tax advisors.   

Professor Emer Mulligan, Director of the Tax Clinic, said: “This collaboration strengthens our collective ability to serve the community – we can now bring expert tax support directly to the people who engage with and trust their credit unions.” 

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