'Government needs to support the Post Offices to prevent collapse' says Tóibín.

(Above) Deputy Peadar Tóibín.

A local TD has called on the government to support post offices to "prevent collapse"

Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has along with his colleagues in the Regional Group have published a Private Members Dáil motion highlighting the crisis across the post office network.

Deputy Tóibín is calling on the Government to step up to their commitments to deliver new business to prevent the collapse of the post office network. He stated:

"There are over 900 post offices used by 1.3 million people every week, including the distribution of €4.6 billion of social welfare payments. On average losses of €19,181 are forecast per post office per annum from 2021 impacting on the viability of post offices throughout Ireland. There is a massive crisis looming throughout the country".

"The local post office provides an enormous service in communities. Much of regional and rural Ireland has seen the collapse of so many other businesses and services. Post offices are a necessity for those living in rural communities. Many local businesses are dependent on the collection of welfare payments and local spending. The challenges facing rural and regional Ireland and their post offices, needs an urgent response from Government. We have already lost a significant number of Post Offices in Meath and Westmeath. We must protect those that are remaining".

"Post offices have also been hit by the pandemic and as a result are much quieter. Transactions in post offices are estimated to be down by 25% which heightens the viability challenges facing the network. Supporting local post offices will also support communities and local businesses. During the early stages of the pandemic we saw the vital role post office staff played in our communities.

"It costs €70 million to run the post office network. The network generates around €53 million in revenue, which leaves a shortfall in €17 million. Our Private Members Motion tackles these major challenges. It will be debated on Wednesday morning October 21 in the Dáil. We urge FF, FG and SF to support this motion and our Post Offices," Deputy Toibin said.