Bridge protest over transfer of post office

UP to 500 people occupied a bridge spanning the Shannon in protest at the closure of a local post office.

The protesters marched the 1km between the village of Esker and Banagher bridge, blocking traffic on the only crossing point between Co. Galway and Co. Offaly.

An Post wants to relocate the postal service in Eyrecourt, Co. Galway, to Banagher, Co. Offaly, which is 11km away.

Locals have said they fear the impact such a move will have on their community. They claim that there is a business in Eyrecourt willing to take on postal services, but An Post told them this will not happen.

An Post said the current application process to maintain a service in the village is under an independent review, RTÉ reported.

The company recently offered a voluntary retirement package to its employees, and 161 postmasters applied for the scheme.