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08 Dec 2025
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08 Dec 2025
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The First Choice Credit Union in Ballyhaunis. Pic: Google Maps
A MAYO Fine Gael senator has called on his party colleague, Minister Paschal Donohue to intervene following First Choice Credit Union’s decision to cut services at all five of their Mayo branches.
Services in Achill, Ballyhaunis, Swinford and Kiltimagh are set to be reduced to three days a week with the branch in Balla set to open just one day a week. The decision has caused uproar in the towns where the branches are located with Ballyhuanis councillor Alma Gallagher raising the matter at the recent monthly meeting of Mayo County Council.
Her party colleague, Senator Mark Duffy has also called on First Choice Credit Union to urgently reconsider their decision which is due to come into effect on June 14.
READ: Mayo GAA says Croke Park passed on write-down on MacHale Park loan
The Ballina-based senator also highlighted the vital role played by local credit unions as essential cash points for local communities.
“With greater reliance on card and contactless payment there is a heightened risk of ‘digital exclusion’, particularly in rural areas with older populations and inconsistent connectivity, where restricted access to essential cash points and financial services only increases that risk.
“I really believe that people should have the choice between cash and contactless payment,” he said while also highlighting the consequences of recent power outages in Spain and Portugal when ‘digital systems drop and people are left high and dry’.
“Credit Unions are meant to be community-focused organisations often with a strong volunteer ethos, with the aim of serving the financial needs of their members. The credit union is supposed to be of the people and for the people.
“I have reached out to Minister Donohue and look forward to working with him on the matter and supporting Cllr Alma Gallagher to achieve a satisfactory outcome in order that the affected towns and villages which have been neglected and deserve better, will have access to proper credit union services,” he said.
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