Protect future of Post Office Network

Speaking this week after meeting with senior officials of the Irish Postmasters Union, Sinn Féin MEP for the Midlands North West Matt Carthy has said that the Government must take action to ensure the future viability of the post office network.

Carthy’s comments come as the Post Office Network Business Development Group have announced a six point plan to develop the post office network.

Carthy said:

“I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Irish Postmasters’ Union General Secretary Ned O’Hara and Vice President Ciaran McEntee this week to discuss the future of the post office network.

“Sinn Féin is committed to the retention and development of our post office network and we want to see it thrive for the benefit of our communities into the future. Post offices are more than just a local business – in many rural areas they are the lifeblood of the community. Indeed for countless districts the post office is the last remaining public service following the closure of local Garda stations and the removal of any lingering statutory agency.

“It is ironic that, as the working group appointed by the Government is announcing proposals to develop the network, the Tánaiste Joan Burton has introduced a new pension application form which encourages pensioners to receive payments via bank transfer.

“This means that, effectively, more post offices will close as a result of the actions of this Government. This is in addition to the 221 post office that have closed across the state between 2006 and 2014 under the watch of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments.

“The Government is talking out of both sides of its mouth on this issue and it must clearly come out and state clearly if it will provide the necessary supports to ensure that our post office network is revitalised and remain viable into the future.” ENDS

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