Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of post offices closed throughout the country on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20763/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The opening, conversion and closure of individual post offices is a matter for the board and management of An Post. With regard to the post office network, as clearly set out in the Programme for Government, this Government and the Board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is a clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of these benefits.

It is the Government's objective to maintain the largest, economically sustainable post office network possible. The challenge for all stakeholders in An Post is to generate sufficient profitable business to maintain the network at its current size. While the Government will support the network in any way it can, the way forward is for An Post to enhance existing services and building on existing strengths, to develop new product offerings.

I would refer the Deputy to the table which outlines the information requested on the number of post offices closed on a county basis in the past four years.