An Post must reconsider postal unit relocation decision - Mayo TD

Mayo TD Keira Keogh has called on An Post to engage with staff and local representatives and reconsider its decision to relocate the Ballyhaunis Delivery Service Unit to Castlerea.

Speaking during Statements on Post Office Closures in the Dáil, Deputy Keogh took the opportunity to congratulate Catherine Delaney, the postmaster of Tulrahan Post Office, on her retirement after an extraordinary 71 years of service. The Tulrahan office recently closed its doors after 150 years of service to the community.

However, Deputy Keogh noted that this closure brings the number of post offices that have closed in Mayo over the past decade to 19.

“Post offices are far more than a place to post a letter or collect a pension. In towns and villages across Mayo they are trusted services, providers of local employment, and an important point of contact for communities,” she said.

Deputy Keogh welcomed the recent reversal by An Post of its decision to amalgamate Barnatra Post Office, following strong engagement by the local postmaster, staff, Councillor Gerry Coyle and herself.

“That outcome showed that when there is genuine engagement and consistent representation, the importance of maintaining services and employment in rural areas can be recognised,” she said.

However, Ballyhaunis is now facing a similar situation.

“An Post has confirmed plans to relocate the Ballyhaunis Delivery Service Unit to Castlerea. The Ballyhaunis unit currently employs 13 local staff, most of whom live in the community. Relocating this service would cause significant disruption for those employees and would also have a knock-on impact on the local economy.

“Ballyhaunis has already experienced the loss of two banks and its courthouse. Losing this delivery unit would represent another serious blow to the town,” she said.

Deputy Keogh said: “Staff feel there has been very little engagement from either An Post or their union and they have been hoodwinked by this decision.

“I want to commend Councillor Alma Gallagher and Ballyhaunis Chamber president Anne Cunnane for their extensive efforts to stop this. They are supported in their efforts by over 3,500 local people who voiced their concern in a petition

“I am calling on An Post to properly engage with staff, local representatives and the wider community before progressing any decision that could remove employment and services from Ballyhaunis.”

Deputy Keogh added that while the recent €15 million per annum announcement towards the stability and sustainability of the An Post network is very welcome, it must be accompanied by meaningful engagement with stakeholders.

“We need to ensure that funding for the post office network is deployed effectively and sustainably, and that rural communities are not left behind in the process.”