POST OFFICE CLOSURE PLAN MUST BE REVEALED

Labour spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Willie Penrose TD has called today for the immediate publication of leaked plans to close up to 80 post offices. The Action Plan for Rural Development is only 6 weeks old but every week a new serice closure in rural Ireland is being flagged. Deputy Penrose said:

“Today it has been revealed that 80 post offices could be closed but we have no idea where they are or when they might close.

“This news will cause huge fear across rural Ireland. The plan must be published and further information provided as to what is being considered for An Post so a full and frank debate can take place.

“This follows on from the news that Bus Éireann are also planning to close several vital routes that serve rural Ireland – from Clonmel, to Athlone and Westport.

“Just six weeks ago the Government launched their Action Plan for Rural Development but it’s clear it’s not worth a jot when we learn today that up to 80 post offices in rural Ireland may be closed, while Ulster Bank plans to shut 30 branches.

“The plan isn’t worth the paper it is written on, if one hand of Government doesn’t know what the other is doing.

“For years the need for new services for An Post has been championed, and many proposals have been put forward.

“It’s now time for the Government to show some action, and commit to protecting the infrastrcture and supporting services that are crucial to rural Ireland.

“In Government the Labour Party strived to support and protect our Post Office network, promoting new products and commissioning the Post Office Network Business Development Group under Bobby Kerr. A six year contract for processing social welfare payments was awarded to An Post in 2014, and we sought the roll out of a standard bank account and more electronic services through our post office network.

“It’s also important to remember that under Fianna Fáil there were 197 post office closures between 2006 and 2010, with just 24 from 2010 to 2014.”