Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to clarify for the Deputy the position regarding post offices in the Cabra area of Dublin 7. The operation of the post office network, including the opening or closing of post offices, is a day-to-day operational matter for the board and management of An Post and not one in which I have a function. I had inquiries made with An Post and I have been informed that the company does not have plans to close any post office in the Cabra area. I hope that addresses and allays the Deputy's concerns.

It is clear from the interest shown by the Deputy, and indeed by all sides of the House on previous occasions, that the post office network and its future is one that resonates with us all. It is true to say that the postal sector is undergoing systemic change, with migration towards electronic communications resulting in significant core mail volume decline year on year. Undoubtedly, this trend places pressures on An Post and its staff. However, it is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company which is in a position to provide a high-quality postal service.

In January of this year, I appointed Bobby Kerr to chair the post office network business development group to ensure the continued viability of the nationwide network of customer-focused post offices. The post office network plays an important role in serving the needs of business and domestic customers alike, and the Government is committed to its retention and wants to see it thrive.

A public consultation on the initial report of the post office network business development group took place over the summer. A total of 16 responses were received. These responses, along with the initial report, were published on my Department's website. The consultation responses are assisting the business development group in identifying opportunities that can benefit the post office network and will inform the final report of the group which I expect to receive shortly.

To maintain the relevance of the post office network for future generations, it is inevitable that changes will need to be made to continue to attract customers to use the services provided by post offices in the face of increasing change in consumer behaviour and trends. It is clear that there is a strong public desire to maintain the nationwide network of post offices and I look forward to the findings of the final report of the business development group to assist in this regard.

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