An independent TD has said that the government must step up its commitments to support An Post to prevent the collapse of the post office network.
Galway East deputy, Seán Canney and the regional grouping of TDs which he is a member, has written to Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan on the matter.
Deputy Seán Canney
The letter highlights the minister’s commitment to report back to the Dáil within six months of the regional group’s private members’ motion on the post office network last October.
Nationwide post office network
“The government committed to a sustainable nationwide post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure in both rural and urban areas,” deputy Canney said.
“The Regional Group [of TDs] has pointed out that An Post requires support in the rollout of new services, and the delivery of its strategic plan, to ensure its financial viability.
“We are now calling on the government to re-examine the establishment of a state bank, pointing out that the government needs to examine possible delivery mechanisms for state banking to be implemented.
“This could be done through An Post or credit union offices, which have the infrastructure, facilities and visibility in communities,” the deputy added.
The comments follow news earlier this week that Bank of Ireland is to close more than 100 branches throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The bank also announced a partnership with An Post that will offer banking services at the latter’s 900 or so locations across Ireland.