Sinn Féin Councillor John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh has renewed calls to An Post to ensure that Bunbeg Post Office can remain open to the public.
The Glenties Area Councillor has expressed his fear over future An Post plans that could lead to the closure of rural post offices such as Bunbeg.
The programme allows for the closure of post offices in certain circumstances and following the retirement of Postmasters, if it’s believed that communities can be served by neighbouring offices.
Cllr Ó Fearraigh says that while the agreement contains a number of positive developments, he is concerned about the closure of vital community services: “I understand that should a Postmaster retire, An Post will assess the future provision of services within the community in question while the company must ensure that any settlement with over 500 residents will retain its Post Office where 95% of people live within 15km of a Post Office in rural areas or 3km in urban settings.
“The company has admitted that this may result in a consolidation of Post Office services in areas where a Postmaster steps down and where it’s believed that a neighbouring Post Office can service an area within these limits and thresholds.
“I understand that the company has also agreed to appoint two Independent Reviewers who, if requested, will review decisions taken by An Post in relation to the future of postal services following the retirement of a Postmaster and that a recommendation will then be made.
“Notwithstanding this commitment, I would be fearful that such a plan could potentially allow for the closure of rural post offices such as in Bunbeg for example, where the services it provides to the local community remains very important for those living there.
“As many people are aware, I have long championed the retention of post offices and postal services in communities threatened by closures, including Bunbeg, and I am again urging the company to make every possible effort to avoid the closure of what is a vital service.”
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