Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this topic, which concerns Barnaderg post office in my constituency. Post offices are important, particularly in rural communities. Public houses are not as plentiful as they used to be and the ability to create jobs and build businesses in these areas is not what it was. In many cases, the post office is the only point of contact many people in these communities have during the week as they avail of its services. The postmaster in Barnaderg passed away after Christmas and An Post decided to review the post office. This raises a number of concerns, as there is a need for a post office in the area.

Last year, the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications produced a report on the post office network and the third recommendation states: "The committee recommends that An Post clarify and make public the criteria they used to establish the viability of a post office." That has not happened in this case. A number of weeks ago the community in Barnaderg was informed via a note on the post office window that it could be closed following a consultation period. The joint committee also recommended that: "In addition, An Post should introduce an amber light warning system, which gives communities advance warning that their post office may be vulnerable to closure. The aim of this is to allow communities to put in place a business plan which might avert this eventuality." However, the problem with that is if the community is not informed by the company about what it is looking for and what makes a successful post office and the products that should be offered, it is difficult for those involved. The community has had this post office for years but it now has to come up with a business plan within two weeks to establish the need for it.

I call on the Minister and An Post to implement the joint committee's recommendations for all post offices. In addition, I understand the consultation period for Barnaderg post office closes tomorrow. That is too soon. It is possible that the post office may be retained in some form but I am seeking the retention of full postal services, which the community has been used to for many years. A watering down of services will not be acceptable. An Post needs to take that into consideration before a decision is made. This is a viable post office. A member of the late postmaster's family is willing to take over immediately and there will be no break in service. I do not understand why An Post cannot give this person at least 12 months to provide the service. If the company could not find anyone to take on a viable business, that would be a different scenario. It is unacceptable that it should take such a heavy-handed approach in this case where a family member is prepared to maintain the business. The people of Barnaderg seek the retention of full post services and I would like the Minister of State to use his good offices to make sure that happens.

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