Controversial changes to Mayo rural postal services likely to proceed despite opposition

A government minister has indicated that proposed changes to postal services in Mayo are likely to proceed despite strong opposition to them.

In reply to questions raised by Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh, Minister of State Colm Brophy outlined: "An Post has advised that the suggested move of An Post delivery operations from Barnatra delivery office – not a post office – to Ballina in quarter 2 of next year is currently under consideration.

"An Post notes it should be stressed that the move of the delivery office in Barnatra is still being considered locally and no formal decision on the move has been made at this stage.

"This is a matter for the company and as no decision has been made, it would be inappropriate for the government, as a shareholder, to comment on or prejudice decisions that are for the board and management of An Post to consider.

"An Post states it is worth noting that its mail delivery facility in Ballina represents an investment in local infrastructure and planning for the future of just over €2 million.

"This is a significant investment in the area and is in line with the national transformation plan the company agreed with the Communications Workers’ Union.

"An Post advises that it can confirm outline plans to amalgamate its mail operations in Ballyhaunis and Castlerea as part of An Post’s ongoing investment in and planning for the future of the mail infrastructure in the region.

"An Post further advises that, in all, 47 staff – 12 from Ballyhaunis and 35 from Castlerea – will jointly work from An Post’s current delivery office in the Castlerea business park.

"An Post states it is likely that the staff complement at the newly unified base will increase as a result of the merger.

"An Post advises that the move is likely to take place in the second quarter of 2026.

"An Post notes all postal staff begin and end their working day in Castlerea while conducting their local deliveries throughout as normal.

"Additionally, An Post states the site is also the base for 20 of An Post's rapidly growing electric vehicle fleet, part of the largest EV fleet in the country, and the site has been fitted out for further EV post vans to be pressed into service throughout the north west.

"An Post also advises that the cases of both Barnatra and Ballyhaunis represent an opportunity to plan for and organise this important piece of local infrastructure to reflect the changing nature of its business, including the huge growth in parcel numbers and the rise in e-commerce and home shopping.

"An Post notes both potential moves are part of a national transformation plan agreed with the Communications Workers Union.

"The government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland.

"The programme for government states the government will continue to provide the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities.

"The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport is working to deliver on this, and an enhanced amount of €15 million per annum is to be allocated for supporting the network subject to all legal requirements being satisfied.

"A sum of €10 million per annum is currently being provided over a three-year fixed term, from 2023 to 2025, to An Post.

"An Post then disburses this funding across the post office network, with all contractor post offices benefiting from Government funding with the objective of securing the stability of the network.

"An Post then disburses this funding across the post office network, with all contractor post offices benefitting from the government funding with the objective of securing the stability of the network. The funding is being paid monthly for each 12-month period.

"To date, over €25 million has been claimed by An Post for the network. The current funding provides time and space for An Post to accelerate the transformation and commercialisation of the network to ensure relevant, viable network delivery.

"An Post has over the last number of years been transforming its business by delivering new products and formats in the way it operates.

"This includes, among other things, diversifying and growing the financial services products it provides for individuals and SMEs. An Post is also providing agency banking services."

Deputy Conway-Walsh described the Minister of State's response as 'really disappointing'.

She outlined: "This is going to be fought by all public representatives across the board. It completely ignores people in rural Ireland and rural Irish towns.

"This is the wrong thing to do. The government is copping out by saying that An Post is a separate commercial entity. It is being funded by the government.

"There has to be an influence there to say that this goes against everything. There is a whole social dimension here that An Post and the government seem to be ignoring.

"Rural postal services are not just about delivering letters and parcels; they are also about keeping people connected and supported.

"Our postal workers are at the very heart of our communities. Many elderly people and those living alone know the drivers by name and they often look out for each other.

"For some, that visit from the postman or postwoman might be the only human contact they have for the day.

"This represents yet another example of our vital services being stripped away from our rural communities.

"Locally, people rely on Barr na Trá and Ballyhaunis depots to collect urgent post, such as passports or examination papers from schools. That access will be lost if everything goes out to Ballina or Castlerea. It is not acceptable.

"I am also calling on the postal workers' union to stand up against these moves. We need common sense to prevail.

"This plan is bad for workers, communities and rural Ireland. It makes no sense whatsoever to make postal workers undertake road trips in excess of 100 miles on bad and dangerous roads only then to come back to deliver the post. It is just bonkers.

"It is the most ridiculous idea that the government has come up with yet. I just cannot accept that anyone would sit down and make this plan.

"The removal of yet another public service from Ballyhaunis, after two banks and a court house have been taken, is disrespectful to these areas. It makes no economic sense, or any sense on any level."