Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise the widespread downgrading of post offices in rural Ireland. The recent decision of An Post to downgrade the post office at Newbridge, Ballinasloe, County Galway, is nothing short of a disgrace following the downgrading of other post offices in County Galway, such as Clonburren and Kiltormer. I ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dermot Ahern, to intervene regarding Newbridge to allow the new proprietors sufficient time to build up the business, which would in turn benefit An Post and in particular would be most beneficial to a small, rural parish such as Newbridge, to whose social and economic well-being the full facilities of a post office are vital.

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