Untrue rumours of Post Office closures causing unnecessary distress – Cllr Sinead Sheppard.

Cobh Councillor Sinead Sheppard yesterday re-iterated that the government has no plan to close post offices. This was confirmed by the Minister for Energy, Communications and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD.

“I am confident that the Cabinet Committee dealing with the future of the Irish postal network will make further progress on a whole-of-government approach to sustaining and developing that network consistent with European law. Since An Post has invested heavily in computerisation in all post offices, the network of post office contractors is well positioned to become the front office provider of choice for government and financial services sector,” Sinead said.

“However, An Post is not in a position to rely solely on government businesses and it must focus on securing new revenue sources, given the falling volume in mail business,”Sinead pointed out.

“An Post has made much progress towards diversification with its enhanced arrangement with Aviva for the transfer of Aviva Ireland’s branch offices personal insurance business book to One Direct,” she continued.

“The opportunity to pay Local Property Tax through the Post Office network has also been secured, and a new 6 year contract to handle social welfare payments has just been awarded to the network. I wish to allay any fears people, particularly Senior Citizens in Cobh might have with regards to any Post Offices in our community closing. Rumours of closures are simply that, and are causing unnecessary distress.”