Cois Sionna Desmond Credit Union & Unity Credit Union

The Board of Directors of Cois Sionna Desmond Credit Union Limited is pleased to inform members that we are now in a position to seek your approval of the proposed Transfer of Engagements, whereby Unity Credit Union Limited would transfer to Cois Sionna Desmond Credit Union Limited. This follows a period of detailed assessment and collaboration between both credit unions, during which it became clear that a strategic merger offers significant long-term benefits for members and the communities we serve.

Both Boards are confident that combining our credit unions will strengthen our financial position, enhance sustainability, and enable greater investment in innovation, digital services, and member experience. Members will also benefit from access to an expanded branch network and a broader range of services.

We will continue the same community-based approach that defines both credit unions, including local branch presence, face-to-face service, and ongoing engagement and support in the communities we serve.

A Special General Meeting of Cois Sionna Desmond Credit Union Limited will be held on Monday, 27 April 2026 at 6.00 pm via Zoom, followed by a Special General Meeting of Unity Credit Union Limited at 7.30 pm, to consider and vote on the Special Resolution required to approve the proposed Transfer of Engagements.

All members are welcome to attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Merger Questions

The merger is being proposed to strengthen services for members, improve digital banking, and ensure long-term sustainability while continuing to operate as a member-owned credit union.

The merger must be approved by members at a Special General Meeting (SGM) taking place on Monday 27th of April. No merger will proceed without member approval.

If approved, the merger will take place in stages, with clear communication to members at each step.

No action is required at this stage. Members will be clearly told if and when action is needed.

Yes. All member savings and loans remain fully protected throughout the merger process and are guaranteed under the government guarantee scheme of up to €100,000.

Membership & Accounts

Yes. All existing members of both credit unions will automatically become members of the merged credit union.

No. Your savings and loan balances will transfer exactly as they are.

Members of Unity Credit Union will be issued with a new member number as part of the system change. You will be informed in advance. There will be no change to Cois Sionna Desmond member numbers.

No. Existing loan terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules will remain the same.

Digital & Online Banking

Members of Unity Credit Union who currently use online banking will need to download the Cois Sionna Desmond Credit Union mobile app and complete a new registration. Full details and instructions will be shared with all affected members well in advance.

Members will be given plenty of notice of the date when the existing app will no longer work.

All Unity Credit Union members who use digital services will need to register for the new app. Step-by-step guidance will be provided in advance.

Yes. Your account and transaction information will transfer to the new system.

You can continue to use branch and phone services as normal. No one is required to use digital services.

Debit Cards & Current Accounts

Yes. Existing debit cards will continue to work.

No. Members with current accounts will be continue to use their current debit card.

Members will be advised clearly if a new PIN is required and how to set it up.

Yes. All existing direct debits and standing orders will transfer automatically.

Special General Meeting (SGM)

A Special General Meeting allows members to vote on important matters such as a merger.

Attendance is encouraged but not required. Members will receive full details on how to participate or vote.

If members do not approve the merger, both credit unions will continue to operate separately as they do today.

During the Changeover

Any necessary downtime will be kept to a minimum and clearly communicated in advance.

The Cois Sionna Desmond branches will remain open, however all 4 Unity branches will be closed for a number of days when the merger is happening.

Extra phone support, in-branch assistance in Cois Sionna Desmond, step-by-step guides, and digital support clinics will be available after the merger is completed.

After the Merger

The merged credit unions will operate under Cois Sionna Desmond Credit Union.

Phone and email support will be available, alongside normal branch services.

Phone: (061) 392 237 Email: memberservices@csdcu.ie

Reassurance & Trust

Yes. The merged credit union will remain a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative.

Yes. Staff will be fully briefed and available to support members before, during, and after the merger.