Dublin: An answer to a parliamentary question has revealed that 257 post offices have shuttered across Ireland since 2015. The loss of these community hubs—which offer financial services, social welfare access, and communications—has prompted the Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) to demand a 50% increase in state support, from €10 million to €15 million annually over five years.
Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane called the closures “shocking”, warning that without enhanced funding “more communities will lose their post office”, undermining rural life and social cohesion. IPU general secretary Sandra Tormey told an Oireachtas committee that many postmasters now earn below the minimum wage after covering operating costs and that a €15 million annual subsidy could secure 70% of existing outlets.
The government has committed to maintaining An Post’s network, having provided €10 million per year for three years beginning in 2023. The current programme for government pledges to negotiate further funding, and the Department of Communications continues to engage with stakeholders to ensure the network’s long-term viability.
Irish Samachar English News
{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp