Campaigners plead with An Post for communication

THE ‘ Save Ballygawley Post Office’ campaign have formally written to An Post to express their ‘ dismay’ with the delay in a decision regarding the post office’s future.

In a letter written to An Post’s Director of Retail, John Daly, the co- ordinator of the campaign Thomas Walsh pleaded for communication regarding the issue.

“As you are aware our local post office was served with a review notice on the 11th November 2016 following the death of our local Postmaster Colm Mc Tiernan RIP,” the letter read.

It continued: “On 7th December, following closure of the review notice, the Save Ballygawley Post Office Campaign met with An Post senior management in Castledargan Hotel, Ballygawley ( in attendance were Aengus Laverty, An Post Communications Director, Aidan O Donnell, Retail Finance Manager and Peter Gillespie, Retail Operations Manager).”

Mr. Walsh explained that the group was informed that an answer would be received by January as to whether or not the post office would remain open.

Despite making numerous calls to An Post, they have received no word as of yet.

“We were told at that meeting that we would receive news on the retention status of our post office at latest, the third week of January. We now enter March with no formal communication since that time.

“I ask you to treat the issue with the utmost importance.

“Following a meeting of the campaign last week it was agreed to formally write to you seeking an immediate update on the future of Ballygawley Post Office.”

Potential demonstrations are being considered should An Post continue to delay the decision, although they maintain there is no delay and they are simply taking the time required to make an important decision like this one.

“Our post office plays a pivotal role in the heart of the Ballygawley and wider community both in terms of social and economic impact,” Mr. Walsh continued in the letter.

“The closure of Ballygawley PO will add to five the number closed in the last five years within a 30 mile radius. Geevagh, Sooey, Ballintogher, Keash and Castlebaldwin. It is the heart of our village and we cannot lose it.”

The campaign has received a huge amount of support since its inception, and they will continue to campaign for their post office.

“You will be aware that over 1500 people signed a petition, over 1000 letters of support were sent to An Post during the review period, as well as hundreds of people attending a public demonstration evening.

“Therefore I would ask that we are communicated with as soon as possible and shown the respect our community deserves.”