Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

An Post is independent in its operation so it is appropriate that the independent operator would appoint an appeals group. It set out the criteria used and, as I indicated in the initial reply, from 51 cases there were six cases with a reversal in the decision. There have been examples where a case has been made and a decision was reconsidered. In a significant number of cases, some of the services have been allocated to other retailers in the area. There are 22 places where a post point was introduced or upgraded to ensure some post office services were maintained in an area. An Post has been trying to respond as flexibly as it can.

The backdrop to this remains the difficulty from the decline in volumes this year of both retail and mail businesses, which are very significant at close to 8%. The company is facing a difficult environment in maintaining a service, and that is why diversification is so important for the continued success of its network.

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