An Post abandoning the people of Ballymore – McCormack
A “shocking let-down of a growing rural community” is how Cllr Vinny McCormack of Fianna Fáil has described the An Post decision to end post office services in Ballymore.
It has emerged that following the retirement of the current postmaster in Ballymore, An Post will not be seeking a replacement and will instead end the service, transferring essential postal services to Streamstown Post Office.
Cllr McCormack said: “This is a terrible decision by An Post, which, if allowed to go ahead will have a huge impact on so many people in the area.
“The Post Office service in Ballymore has been a hugely important hub of activity for many years and it continues to be a busy service.
“Since this news emerged, I have been contacted by so many people who rely on Ballymore Post Office to pay bills, collect various pension payments and avail of many other services.
“A number of these people do not drive, and yet An Post believe it reasonable to ask them to travel 6km to Streamstown Post Office.”
Population
An Post confirmed a commitment to retain post office services in areas with a population greater than 500 and that a service would be available in other cases within a distance of 16km.
“I believe An Post are really playing politics with the figures in this case,” said Cllr McCormack.
“An Post are basing this decision on figures from the last census, using population figures exclusively within the confines of the village.
“There are a number of issues with this which I have highlighted to An Post.
“Firstly, the population within the village continues to increase. In the Westmeath County Development plan – currently being finalised – we are making provision for the development of up to 100 additional homes in the village.
“Secondly, An Post should be basing their assessment on the wider Ballymore area. The people who live 2 miles outside the village are no less Ballymore than those who live right next to the Post Office, and therefore should be included in any population assessment.”
The service in Ballymore is due to end on October 23, and Cllr McCormack said the community will make every effort to save the Post Office – right up to that date.
“There are plans locally to submit a petition to An Post which will clearly outline the feelings of the entire community.
“I have also written to the chief executive of An Post seeking an urgent meeting, either in person or via Zoom, where I can outline the concerns of the community and also discuss An Post’s flawed assessment of the population in our community.
“This is yet another service being slowly ripped away from rural Ireland, if we stand by and allow this to happen we will wake up one day and there won’t be a heart left in our rural communities,” said Cllr McCormack.