Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I disagree with him in that I do not necessarily think a dilution of services through their transfer from An Post to a different style of service will have any benefit at all for the community. That is captured, in particular, by the staff who currently work in the An Post office at Phibsborough. There is a genuine sense of anxiety about what it will mean for their employment and the people who avail of that service. I appreciate the building has a particular significance within the area. I hope it is not the Minister's plan, and the Minister of State might clarify whether it is intended for the services to remain within the building. That is not the understanding of the community regarding these changes. It is expected that the services will transfer to a smaller building, which would definitely impact the nature and type of community we have in Phibsborough.

I oppose, from the bottom of my heart, any dilution of services in the postal service at Phibsborough. It will have a detrimental effect on the sense of community spirit there. We cannot keep losing institutions from communities. Phibsborough is going through various changes, but there have to be landmark buildings and places where people can gather and go about their business. Taking that away erodes the fabric of communities. It will have a detrimental effect. I encourage the Minister of State to implore the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, to go back to An Post to ensure the service remains on site in Phibsborough. We do not need any more postal services in the backs of shops. It does not work. I thank the Minister of State. I will take the matter up further.

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