Unless the Government steps up its commitments to support An Post, the post office network in the State will be at risk of collapse.
This is the view of Independent Galway East TD, Seán Canney, who along with other TDs in the ‘Regional Group’, have written to Minister for Communications, Eamon Ryan, reminding him of his commitment to report back to the Dáil within six months of the Group’s Private Member’s Motion, in October, on the post office network.
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Seán Canney. Photo:- Tom Burke
“The Government committed to a sustainable nationwide post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure in both rural and urban areas,” said Dep Canney. “An Post requires support in the roll out of new services, and the delivery of its strategic plan, to ensure its financial viability.”
The Regional Group is calling for direct intervention by the Government to develop new State services for the post office network. It is also calling on the Government to re-examine the establishment of a State bank.
“This could be done through An Post or Credit Unions offices,” said Dep Canney, “which have the infrastructure, facilities, and visibility in communities.”