Throughout the past number of weeks, both Councillor Ray McAdam and I have received emails, phone calls and letters from residents living in the Stoneybatter area concerned about the rumoured closure of the Prussia Street An Post Office. Since receiving these queries, we have been in contact with An Post and the Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte TD seeking clarification on this matter. From the information provided to us by both parties, I can re-assure you that there are no plans to close the Prussia Street An Post Office nor any other local Post Office. Much of the concern that has arose in recent days relates to a campaign being launched by the Irish Postmasters Union who have issues with new business ventures being launched by management in An Post.
It is also worth bearing in mind that postal services all across the world are having to find new business opportunities because of the reduction in postal mail business. With that in mind, An Post recently invested significant amounts of money in upgrading its computer network which has helped enhance its arrangement with Aviva. This has seen the transfer of Aviva Ireland’s branch office personal insurance business to One Direct. In addition to this, An Post has also been selected to operate a new Department of Social Protection contract and obviously it is possible for householders to pay their Property Tax liabilities through An Post as well.
Staff in An Post offices up and down this country provide a fantastic to local communities and in particular, I know, they are of significant assistance to older people in our society. Given the service An Post provides and the investment in the company in recent months, the postal network is secure and local An Post offices like that on Prussia Street will not be closing down. I hope this information is of use to you but if you have any questions or queries arising from the information outlined above, please get in touch with me and I will do my best to answer any enquiries that you may have.