Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is much uncertainty in rural areas due to a number of negative factors, such as the closure of our Garda stations and the downgrading of what were vital hubs of rural Ireland. People have no confidence in the Government giving out a strong message of support. There are 1,100 post offices in the network, which are the only retail units in some communities. Given our lack of rural security, postmen and women are like watchdogs, and the local post office is a meeting place for people and a place of communication with the outside world. In many cases, it is the only one.

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