merrion street

“The Irish Postmasters Union (IPU) agreed to the closure of 197 post offices between 2006 and 2010. Since 2010 there have been 17 closures. The IPU, has engaged in a high profile protest campaign that has caused entirely unjustifiable and unnecessary distress in local communities especially for older citizens. Pensioners are being told that their “post office is closing”.

“The government has no plan to close post offices. I hope that the Cabinet Committee dealing with the future of the Irish postal network will make further progress on a whole-of-government approach to sustaining and developing that network consistent with European law. Since An Post has invested heavily in computerisation in all post offices, the network of post office contractors is well positioned to become the front office provider of choice for government and financial services sector.

“An Post cannot rely solely on government business however, and given the financial challenges facing An Post (over the past 5 years mail volumes have fallen by almost 25%) a key focus for An Post is to secure new revenue sources based on service/products offering higher value in both the mails and the post office business.

“An Post has made much progress towards diversification with its enhanced arrangement with Aviva for the transfer of Aviva Ireland’s branch offices personal insurance business book to One Direct. The opportunity to pay Local Property Tax through the Post Office network was secured. A new 6 year contract to handle social welfare payments has just been awarded to the network.

“Against the relative stability and the growth in business and income enjoyed by postmasters since 2010 despite the economic environment, it is puzzling to witness a campaign that is causing unnecessary fear – especially to senior citizens.”