Concern that Mayo postal delivery service unit may be relocated to Castlerea

COUNCILLOR Alma Gallagher has expressed serious concern over reports that An Post is considering relocating the Ballyhaunis Delivery Service Unit from its current base at Clare Street in the town to Castlerea in early 2026.

Ballyhaunis Delivery Service Unit was relocated from Bridge Street to the enterprise units on Clare Street in 2015 and has operated very successfully for the past 10 years.

The facility, which is owned by Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce, was upgraded at the time with an investment of over €360,000 by An Post to retrofit and modernise the space.

Today, the unit handles over 2,000 packages weekly, serving a wide range of local customers and businesses, including Dawn Meats, Major Steel, Agri Spread, local GP practices, and numerous shops and retailers. Many of these businesses rely directly on the unit for daily dispatch and storage of specialised items.

Currently, 13 postal staff are based in Ballyhaunis, supported by 10 delivery vans covering an extensive area from Cloonfad to Kilkelly and along the Swinford border.

Councillor Gallagher said the reports of a potential relocation have caused deep concern among postal workers and the wider Ballyhaunis community.

She stated: “There is a real sense of disbelief and disappointment among the staff. Many of them have given decades of service to this community. They don’t just deliver mail - they deliver care and connection.

“For many elderly residents, the postman or postwoman is the only person they might see or speak to each day. This is about people, not just parcels.”

Councillor Gallagher also acknowledged the exceptional contribution of postal workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, when they were asked by head office to carry out additional social duties, including delivering groceries, newspapers, and essential supplies to vulnerable residents.

“They stepped up without hesitation, even in the busiest of times, because that’s what community spirit looks like. These workers have always gone above and beyond,” she said.

According to internal discussions, she said, the proposed relocation is being considered as part of cost-saving measures by An Post. However, Councillor Gallagher said the move appears to be counterproductive and impractical.

“This proposal lacks common sense. By amalgamating Ballyhaunis with Castlerea, An Post would actually be increasing costs with new routes would need to be created and additional vans purchased. There is also the potential loss of local jobs, particularly among temporary staff.”

From a business perspective, Councillor Gallagher described the proposal as 'completely unworkable'.

“Expecting businesses to travel a 40-kilometre round trip to Castlerea to post a parcel is unreasonable. Many local businesses depend on the Ballyhaunis service daily.

“At a time when Fastway Couriers has gone into receivership and local businesses are facing disruption, An Post should be strengthening its local presence - not withdrawing from it.”

Councillor Gallagher welcomed the support of Senator Mark Duffy, who is raising the matter in the Seanad today and highlighting the issue directly with Patrick O’Donovan, the Minister responsible for Communications and the Postal Service.

She called on An Post to engage directly with staff, local representatives, and the Ballyhaunis community before any final decisions are made.

“The Ballyhaunis Delivery Service Unit has operated efficiently, effectively, and with strong local support for a decade. Its success is a testament to the commitment of local postal workers and the importance of community-based services.

“I’m calling on An Post to listen to local voices and to keep this essential service right here in Ballyhaunis, where it belongs.”