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Post office closures would be
"devastating"
24.02.14
THE Government said it
is committed to a "strong and viable" post office
network in communities around the country.
Minister for Small Business, John Perry made the
comments amid fears that up to 550 post offices
including many in Co Donegal could close if plans to
pay social welfare payments electronically go ahead.
“Minister Rabbitte has confirmed to me that in the
context of public sector transformation, his
department has suggested that the increased use of
the Post Office network should be considered by
public sector bodies, where this is appropriate,"
said Mr Perry.
“Two thirds of our post offices are in rural areas,
providing a very important service to local
communities. But the postal network is undoubtedly
facing challenges, due in no small part to the fact
that mail volumes have fallen by a quarter in the
last five years.
"Yet, as a commercial State body An Post can bid for
business from both public and private organisations
in a competitive market, so a key focus of the
network must be to source new revenue sources."
Meanwhile, Inishowen deputy, Charlie McConalogue,
said widespread post office closures in Co Donegal
would be "devastating". |
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A large crowd turned out on Friday,
20th September, 2013 to show support for the
continuation of Greencastle Post Office. |
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“Donegal communities
have lost too many local services over the past
three years. Bank branches have shut down, garda
stations have been closed, local schools are under
threat, State funding for local services has been
cut and many small local business have been forced
to close or cut jobs because they cannot get the
support they need. The loss of the post office on
top of all of this would be yet another blow to
community life," he said. He called on Minister for
Social Protection Joan Burton and Communicatons
Minister Pat Rabbitte to "provide some assurances to
communities about the future of their local post
office". |
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