Several post offices in Galway remain closed after Storm Éowyn, but Department of Social Protection payments will still be paid out at alternative locations.
Up to 70 Post Offices closed nationally in the aftermath of the historic storm, including 26 across County Galway. These are vital for processing dole, pension, disability, single parent and other benefits and allowances.
Only in 2018, with the ‘Beast from the East’, did Galway post offices close for a number of days before. “The scale and complexity of the damage caused by this storm is by far the worst in living memory,” a spokeswoman for An Post told the Galway Advertiser.
She said DSP payment recipients who find their local post office closed, will have a nearby alternative approved for them, for example Leenane customers can collect from Letterfrack.
Many rural customers' payments are being transferred to the Galway GPO on Eglinton Street in Galway city centre, however An Post urges people to check www. anpost.com for updates.
“Galway GPO cannot pay out ad hoc payments on behalf of other offices. This is to ensure the security of the customer's payment and DSP funds,” said the spokeswoman.
At time of going to press, 11 Galway post offices were still closed due to power outages. These are: Ahascragh, Claddaghduff, Clarinbridge, Cummer, Dunmore, Glenamaddy, Leenane, Lettermore, Miltown, Monivea, and Moylough.
