Local post offices should be expanded not closed

Postmasters protested outside the GPO today saying that they will resist any closures driven by An Post.

They also want to mobilise a national campaign to support communities and keep the vital community outlets open.

The Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) called on politicians, communities and social organisations to give their support.

A more comprehensive Dáil rally is planned for April.

IPU Executive member and Ballymore Eustace postmaster Seán Fogarty said: “The IPU understands that re-organisation and planning for the future is necessary, but we do not support major closures as part of this.

"We want to provide additional financial, State and social services and ensure that Post Offices continue to serve the economic and social needs of as many communities as possible.

“The Post Office Network is a national asset belonging to the people of Ireland and it must be valued and invested in. Shutting hundreds of Post Offices will only serve to accelerate rural decline and removal of services from communities.

“A social and community perspective needs to be taken into account, and decisions cannot be driven purely by An Post’s commercial mandate.

“Politicians across all political parties, as well as Independents, have always voiced their support and must now intervene and act in the public interest."

Two years ago, postmasters presented 500,000 voter signatures to Government calling for greater action an online poll of 7,000 people in 2016 showed that 82% wanted the Government to do more to support Post Offices.

Photo: Aishling Conway