11 July 2026
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
First South Credit Union hosted the Taoiseach to officially reopen the newly refurbished and modernised Branch in Ballyphehane Cork
Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially reopened the refurbished office of First South Credit Union in Ballyphehane Cork on Saturday last. This investment by First South Credit Union will ensure that they can continue to serve members well into the future. The Branch has seen the development of 4 new dedicated spaces where members can conduct their business in greater privacy. First South Credit Union has also redeveloped the administration section to include a bigger area to support call and online services.
Speaking at the event, the Taoiseach said:
“I am delighted to see First South Credit Union reaffirm their presence in Ballyphehane. Credit unions continue to go from strength the strength in Ireland and are a key part of our local communities. Government recognises the importance of credit unions right across the country – that is why we are conducting a review of the Credit Unions sectoral strategy to ensure that they can be future proofed amid the changing financial landscape.”
Marc Power CEO commented that “First South Credit Union was the 1st Credit union to operate outside of Dublin and was established in 1960. This redevelopment will enable us to serve our members online and by phone when they want us and most importantly in person when they need us. Member preferences continue to evolve, and this investment allows us to fulfill these needs”.
The Irish League of Credit Unions recently released its Q2 2026 results announcing a record-high loan book of €6.7 billion driven by surging mortgage and business lending demands.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially reopened the refurbished office of First South Credit Union in Ballyphehane Cork. This investment by First South Credit Union will ensure that they can continue to serve members well into the future. The Branch has seen the development of 4 new dedicated spaces where members can conduct their business in greater privacy. First South Credit Union has also redeveloped the administration section to include a bigger area to support call and online services.
The Taoiseach was welcomed by CEO Marc Power and chairman Donal Scannell along with board members and staff.
Pic: Brian Lougheed