Future of Ballinfull PO to be clear soon
A decision relating to the future of the postal service in Ballinfull will not be taken until after July 31st, An Post has stated.
That’s when it will have a clearer picture as to the future size and make-up of the post office network in the country, Sligo independent councillor Declan Bree has been told by Angus Laverty, the Public Affairs Manager of An Post.
Cllr Bree said: “I was told by people in the community that the current postmistress would be retiring shortly and they now have a fear that the management of An Post may not offer a contract to an alternative service provider in the area.
“The response I received from Mr Laverty of An Post highlighted the fact that under the terms of a new agreement between An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union some postmasters who wish to retire have been offered a voluntary severance package and that postmasters have until July 31st to signal their intentions in this matter.”
Mr Laverty said there was no change to the status of the post office at Ballinfull, though it was “aware that the postmistress has expressed an interest in possibly taking up the voluntary severance package.”
He also stated that a new protocol had been established which sets out how An Post will facilitate the continued provision of Post Office services in areas where an existing postmaster retires or ceases operating an existing Post Office, with particular reference to the customer base and transaction levels to support a Post Office and the proximity of other Post Offices. Mr Laverty said that after July 31st An Post should have a clearer picture as to the future size and make-up of the post office network and they will be in a position to access the service requirements in each area, on a case by case basis. Speaking to ‘ The Sligo Champion’ Cllr Bree said people from Ballinfull and Maugherow and the surrounding area have every reason to be concerned about the future of their post office. Like in other areas, the post office in Ballinfull is an essential part of the fabric of that rural community. It is a focal point, a centre of activity and a community hub. It would be an unacceptable to see it closing down,” said Cllr Bree.