A motion demanding the Irish Government uphold the universal service obligations in relation to the potential liberalisation of the postal service in the country, and particularly the 500 jobs in Athlone, was unanimously supported at the recent sitting of Athlone Town Council.
Cllr Paul Hogan brought his motion to the floor to call on the Government to “acknowledge this important public service” as it prepared its white paper on the opening of this market.
The universal service obligation (USO ) is an international protocol which has developed from the first postal service ethos in 1832 with the instigation of the Penny Black in England. It has been formally adopted as policy under EU postal services and telecommunications directives in 1997 and 2002 to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable, and affordable rates, to increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the Union, and, most pertinently, “ to advance the availability of such services to all consumers, including those in low income, rural, insular, and high cost areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged in urban areas”.
“I want the Government to acknowedge this important public service, and ensure the USO is protected by legislation, and doesn’t allow the opening of the market to lead to widespread job losses, social dumping, and erosion of services as has happened in other contries who have already opened their postal market,” said Cllr Hogan.
He went on to explain that his primary fear concerning the potential new legislation would be any effect it might have on the 450 jobs at the Coosan distribution centre.
“We can’t allow this to happen to Athlone,” said Cllr Gabrielle McFadden in immediate, cross-party support.
This continued on the other side when Cllr Aengus O’Rourke added his support to the USO “because it guaranteed delivery to the top of the mountain or the end of the boreen”.
“It is a critical factor in maintaining a link for a lot of the vulnerable in society. We need to do everything we can to protect it in its present form,” he said.
Unsurprisingly, the motion was unanimously carried.
