YULE HAVE TO PAY MORE FOR XMAS LETTERS
An post to hike cost of stamp before holiday rush
THE cost of sending letters and Christmas cards is set to soar after it was announced the price of a stamp is to rise again.
Communications Minister Denis Naughten wants to introduce legislation to increase postal costs before the holiday rush.
Rising wage costs and a decline in the number of mails in An Post has been cited as a key reason for the third price hike in two years.
The minister said he faced either cutting the network or reducing five-day services.
An Post’s 72 cent stamp is considerably less than other EU countries where the average cost is 93 cent.
Backing Mr Naughten’s plan An Post CEO David Mcredmond said: “Across the world, postal companies have taken the necessary steps to increase prices to ensure delivery of service is maintained.
“We deliver an excellent service but must charge the correct price for that service.
“Mail is an important medium and even with these increased tariffs, still represents real value.
“Where the impact is greatest, An Post will do everything possible to mitigate the impact through improved volume discounts.
However, not everyone was as supportive of Mr Naughten’s proposal. Labour’s Communications spokesman Sean Sherlock TD said: “The minister needs to consult widely with small and medium businesses on the potential increased costs this legislation will have. “Engaging just a group of consultants is not enough. There are issues with An Post’s viability that should be looked at and engaged, with but the cost to the rural Post Office network must be considered.” Mr Sherlock’s Fianna Fail counterpart Timmy Dooley said An Post’s problems will not be solved by price hikes He added: “The Board and management must understand and accept they must develop a long-term business plan that ensures the viability of the service, and one which does not require continual price rises for stamps.”