Ballylongford post office accepts an exit package

BALLYLONGFORD Post Office has become the first post office in Kerry to accept an exit package offered across Kerry as part of a modernisation plan to save the post office network.

26 post offices in Kerry have been offered exit or redundancy packages – almost half of all post offices in the county. They have until July 31 to make a decision on their futures.

Postmistress Jennifer Allen said that it was a difficult decision to make but one that she felt was necessary as the post office is no longer viable.

“It was inevitable that it would close in two years anyway. There is less business. People are going to banks now. My overheads have doubled in the 13 years, and the salary has not doubled. The salary is getting thinner and thinner, and as a business it must be viable. There is just not enough customers.”

Jennifer announced her decision to customers in the past week and said that many of them are upset about her decision. However, she said that she would do her utmost to ensure that all her customers would be looked after as best she could before she goes. The nearest post offices to Ballylongford include Tarbert and Asdee. Asdee has been offered an exit package.

Many post offices have yet to reach a decision on their future and are taking the time to decide what is best for the communities they serve and their businesses.

“The exit packages are to give people a chance to leave. Many who were offered them were not expecting the offer, so it is a massive decision,” says Jennifer.

The Kerry post offices offered exit packages include Abbeydorney, Asdee, Ballinskelligs, Ballymacelligott, Banemore Cross, Beaufort, Blackwater Bridge, Castlemaine, Causeway, Cordal, Currow and Duagh. Also on the list is Farranfore, Glenflesk, Gneeveguilla, Headford Killarney, Kilcummin, Kilflynn, Kilmoyley, Knocknagoshel, Lisselton, Lyrecrompane, Mastergeehy, Moyvane and Scartaglen. The packages are part of a new modernisation plan drawn up by the IPU in consultation with An Post.

It is not yet known when Ballylongford Post office will shut its doors. However, it is likely that any office accepting the offer will be shut by January 2019.