New deal may save local post offices

POST offices in Ballygawley and Easkey threatened with closure have the potential to be saved under the new €50m investment by An Post in to the Post Office network.

Sinn Féin Councillor Thomas Healy has been campaigning for both Post Offices and has welcomed the new announcement.

“This deal has the potential to safeguard all the local Post Offices for at least two years,” stated Cllr Healy.

“The onus is now on local communities however to come out and use local services to ensure their communities are kept open. People can now use their local Post Office as a one stop shop for confidential guidance on local services, postal and parcel needs and various financial transactions.

“I want to welcome the introduction of currency exchange to all the Post Offices, in addition I hope people will use the banking service and that parents and schools can encourage good saving habits for children with An Post accounts.

“An Post is in a stronger postition now. The local Post Office remains a vital and integral part of community life especially in rural Ireland and we need to retain this service.”