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THE HEAD OF An Post says that 265 post offices are not near any “discernable population” as closures of branches loom.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Prime Time last night, An Post Chief Executive David McRedmond warned that “the whole system will collapse” if changes are not made.
He said that the Department of Social Protection had criteria for post offices that many did not fit.
“The target for the Department of Social Protection is that everybody be within 15km of a post office.”
He said that 265 branches were found to be “near no discernible area of population” and the company had to “be real” about their prospects.
On the same programme, Communications Minister Denis Naughten said that modernisation could revamp the whole post office network.
“We can bring additional revenue into the post offices and make many of those post offices that are currently struggling viable by using technology rather than seeing it as the demise of the post office”.
Rural
Last month An Post rejected reports that 80 branches would be closed in an effort to plug their annual losses of €12 million.
“We are currently completing the first detailed, in-depth review of the Post Office Network for many years. This review will take into account shifting demographics, the changing marketplace for services and the economics for postmasters.”
Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice said that the reports of post office closures were a sign of the government’s lack of commitment to rural issues, while Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Affairs Peadar Tóibín criticised the plan.
Tóibín said rural TDs were “utterly silent on such a critical issue”.
The Meath West TD said:
An Post has been described as the lifeblood of rural Ireland, especially at a time when we have seen the slashing of other vital services and serious population decline in many areas. Though technology is rapidly advancing,
“An Post has an integral role in servicing communities, and ways to innovate and increase the viability of the network has been identified by numerous reports.
“It is greatly disappointing that yet more closures are being proposed – following Fine Gael’s closure of 198 post offices during their last term. This relentless closure of post offices serves only this government’s Tory agenda – not the people of rural Ireland.”
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The Mr Magoo of Irish politics. Blundering from crisis to crisis. College dropout, never had a real job in his life. Google him.
Overseeing the biggest employer in the country with a 17 billion budget. What could go wrong?
Problem is people are suffering and dying under his watch. Billions for a childrens hospital in wrong place. Just like former Health Minister and his patron Varadker the kylie Minogue supplicant. All show, blow and bluster.
Just like FF who ruined us, the labour party who colluded, the Shinners who have been found out, the Independents who have been exposed as hacks. The Greens outmanoeuvred by FF.
The others are margin off error groupings.
Despair!
@Honey Badger: Why, what would you do?
@Honey Badger: I respect your efforts if that were to happen I sincerely hope it doesn’t. With respect you would be wasting your time and money this Government has it all sown up .
Move that hospital into a new facility on the proposed site of the children’s hospital on the mater grounds. There’s lots of land there that can be used.
HSE Estates must the most incompetent section of the HSE. Have they anyone experienced in building ?
Absolutely amazing that harris is still in that job. And its not in any way a compliment, its a total disgrace thats he’s not being dealt with (ie: booted out), and its a tragedy for everybody involved.
This hospital isn’t going to make a dam bit of a difference to the health service. I do understand we need it but we need 4 more also, prisons, schools , infrastructure and more important affordability housing not hand out housing
But wouldn’t that be the right thing to do?
Minster should get a personality……..
You have to ask how this clown gets such a job. He has no qualification whatsoever. The resulting mess and excuse after excuse underline his inability to do his job
have your say