21 Post Offices under threat
IT has emerged that Gurteen and Dromard Post Offices also face the prospect of closure in addition to Cliffoney, Ballinfull and Monasteraden.
Nationwide 161 rural branches could shut up shop under a retirement scheme brokered as part of an agreement between An Post and the Postmasters Union.
It’s understood An Post has received applications from 161 post offices across the country expressing interest in the voluntary retirement package. Up to 12 post office contractors have already been facilitated as part of the scheme and the other applications will now be assessed.
Councillor Margaret Gormley says: “I was shocked when I heard that Gurteen PO is on the list to close. I understand that the post mistress is retiring and I want to wish Mary health and happiness in her retirement and to thank her for the help and kindness she gave to all the people over the years and for her outstanding service to the community. On hearing the news I contacted An Post and have requested in the case of Gurteen to have it advertised and the contract awarded to another service provider.
“Gurteen is a very busy post office; it covers a big catchment area people use it and they don’t want to lose it. There are two post men working out of it. The post office plays an important eco- nomic and social role in the community. It’s at the heart of the community, and this is certainly the case in Gurteen.
“This is all taking place without any consultation with the people it most affects in the community. I would ask the people who use the post office in Gurteen to contact An Post and make their feelings know. This cannot be allowed to happen.”
Gurteen based Councillor Paul Taylor slammed the news insisting that the village post office was an extremely busy premises and a focal point of the village. “They will have a major fight on their hands as we will do everything that we can to keep Gurteen post office open,” he said.