I, together with The Regional Group of TDs published our Dáil motion highlighting the crisis across the post office network. We are calling on the Government to step up to their commitments to deliver new business to prevent the collapse of the post office network.
“There are over 900 post offices used by 1.3 million people every week, including the distribution of €4.6 billion of social welfare payments.”
“We note that average losses of €19,181 are forecast per post office per annum from 2021 impacting on the viability of post offices throughout Ireland”.
“The local post office is about much more than the post office itself. Post offices are a necessity for those living in regional Ireland. Many local businesses are dependent on the collection of welfare payments and local spending. The challenges facing rural and regional Ireland and their post offices, needs an urgent response from Government”.
Post offices have also been hit by the pandemic and as a result are much quieter. Transactions in post offices are estimated to be down by 25% which heightens the grim viability challenges facing the network.
“Supporting local post offices will also support communities and local businesses. During the early stages of the pandemic we saw the vital role post office staff played in our communities”.
It costs €70 million to run the post office network. The network generates around €53 million in revenue, which leaves a shortfall in €17 million.
“We in the Regional Group call on Government to urgently recognise and address these issues. The Private Members Motion will be debated next Wednesday morning the 21st of October in the Dáil”.