A local TD met with the boss of An Post this week to make a strong case for the retention and improval of rural post office services.
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Communications, Brian Stanley TD, met with the CEO of An Post, David Mc Redmond, to discuss plans for the company,
He put forward a case in relation to the retention of a viable post office network which will encompass an expanded range of services.
The closure of Ballacolla Post office in recent years was seen as a big loss to the local community, while a post office also closed recently near the county border in Killeigh.
“I met with the CEO of An Post to discuss the viability of the semi-state body, now and into the future. I made a strong case in relation to the retention of a viable post office network as well as the expansion of services, including post offices in rural areas,” Deputy Stanley said.
“Following years of government neglect and poor management, An Post needs to diversify and provide an expanded range of services such as current account banking, government services and payments for licenses and to local authorities.
“This is the only way to ensure the viability of post offices instead of having a large number facing closure. I outlined the importance of retaining the Universal Service Obligation (USO) – which is our five day delivery to every address.
“It’s clear that An Post have big plans. It is also apparent that An Post will be drawing more from the ongoing McKinsey report they have commissioned rather than the Bobby Kerr report which was initiated by the government two years ago,” Deputy Stanley said.
Part of the problem, Deputy Stanley said, is that there are too many Ministers with responsibility in this area.
Responsible
“Minister Naughten is responsible for the corporate body of An Post, Minister Humphreys is responsible for the network and Minister of State Michael Ring is responsible for developing the smaller, less viable post offices,” he said.
Deputy Stanley concluded “I believe time is of the essence and speedy action to secure the post office network is vital”.
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