State aid to safeguard rural post offices

A Galway junior minister is currently in talks to draw up plans – and source state money – to save the country’s rural post offices.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton has confirmed reports that another financial package is being prepared, amid warnings from the Irish Postmasters’ Union that up to 200 post office branches are at risk of closure without Government support.

This follows the demise of 18 Galway post offices four years ago as part of an agreement where postmasters were offered voluntary retirement packages.

Deputy Naughton said last year she had helped secure additional financial supports for postmasters to help maintain their incomes which had been hit by a loss of business due to Covid-19.

“This €8.5 million package has been in place since last summer, and expires in December this year,” she told the Connacht Tribune.

“I am acutely aware of the valuable service postmasters provide in communities across Galway and the country as a whole. The Programme for Government is committed to ensuring a sustainable post office network,” she said.

“Mindful of the need to ensure that we maintain a strong and viable post office network, I have instructed officials to explore what further supports may be required for postmasters. This includes financial supports.

“This work is underway and is supported by my colleagues Minister Heather Humphreys and the Tánaiste. My department is working with other Departments including Public Expenditure and Reform to progress this matter. I hope to be in a position to announce details in the near future.”

You can read the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie