Confirmation of €30m funding over three years to support the nationwide post office network, including Donegal post offices, has been welcomed by Charlie McConalogue.
Commenting on the announcement, the Minister said: “This funding for our post offices is a unique government support which recognises the crucial importance of the post office network to our communities and the role that postmasters and staff play in our communities.
“In Donegal, our post offices are the cornerstone of our communities and this measure is designed to continue to back rural Ireland. I commend the postmasters and post office staff in Donegal for all they do for us.”
An Post provides important services to its customers and key Government services to citizens. The Government is committed to working with An Post and postmasters to ensure that the network continues to play a strong role in delivering State services.
The measure announced today will support the existing network of approximately 900 post offices. In particular, the aim is to safeguard the most vulnerable post offices – to protect access to services across the country.
Funding will be disbursed, to ensure a balance between providing vital financial support and certainty, while at the same time maintaining a commercial focus.
Money will be distributed between a fixed/guaranteed element and a variable, performance-based element, which will be determined following consultation between An Post and the IPU (Irish Postmasters Union) and approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Exact details relating to the disbursal of funds will be released in due course, subsequent to these consultations.
