Minister says it’s open to others to step into breach

In an email dated 11 th September 2018, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten replied to Independent Councillor Margaret Gormley about rural post office closures in Sligo:

“I am acutely conscious of the value placed by communities in both rural and urban areas on services provided by post offices.

“The reality is that by facilitating those that wish to exit the business, neighbouring offices will be further supported and sustained. It is open to any retailer in affected locations to apply to An Post to be considered to take over some or all of the services of the closing post office.

“An Post has appointed two independent reviewers to undertake this process. These are Mr Paddy McGuinness former Chairman of the Western Development Board and Mr Tom Hobson formerly of Western Regional (Knock) Airport. Applications to have a decision assessed by the Independent Reviewer should be made to Review@anpost.ie or Independent Reviewer, An Post GPO, Dublin 1, on or before close of business on Friday, 28th September 2018.”