Almost half of post offices could close without increased funding, warns Tipperary TD

A Tipperary TD has warned the Dáil that 40% of post offices could potentially close if government funding is not increased.

Speaking to Tánaiste Simon Harris, Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy raised his concerns regarding rural post offices in the country. 

"40% of the Post office Network will potentially close unless government funding is increased.

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"Increasing this funding to 15 million annually over five years will ensure the viability of many of the 845 post offices nationwide, more than 500 of which are in areas without any financial institution" Mr Murphy told the Dáil.

Michael Murphy acknowledged the extraordinary work of postmasters and postmistresses across the country, in particular in his own constituency of South Tipperary. 

Post offices play a crucial role in our communities, said Michael Murphy TD. 

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"There's a much bigger issue here and that is social cohesion, can I ask you Tánaiste to commit to this funding and stand up for rural post offices and ensure social cohesion by committing to this increased funding."

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris responded that this government remains fully committed to a sustainable An Post and to a sustainable post office network. 

"It's a key component to out economic infrastructure and our social infrastructure right across the country. Our programme for government is clear in our commitments. 

"I'm proud the previous government agreed that an amount of ten million euro per annum will be provided for a three year fixed term to An Post. 

"Any funding provided to An Post will be for the company to continue its own transformation journey. It's a semi-state commercial company and we need to see that journey of transformation continue too" concluded Deputy Harris.