FF Launch Post Office Overhaul Proposals

A series of proposals to "enhance" the Post Office Network have been published by Fianna Fáil.

The document, entitled 'Enhancing our Post Offices: Fianna Fáil's Vision for the Future of the Irish Post Office Network', sets out plans for consolidating the existing work of the Post Office network while increasing the commercial activity in every office.

Amongst the proposals the party recommends:

• Expanding Post Office services so that it acts as a central office for state payments and charges e.g. motor tax, local authority charges and hospital charges.

• Shared community services and multi-purpose Post Offices

• An Office for broadband access and printing facilities where the local community can have affordable and easy access to broadband and printing services.

Launching the publication the party's spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD, said: "The very existence of Post Offices in the country is under serious threat, particularly if the network loses its contract to handle social welfare payments.

"Post Offices are the heartbeat of so many local communities across the country. It not only serves as a site for pension and welfare payments; the social benefit to these communities, particularly local ones, is immeasurable.

"Instead of diminishing the financial work that the Post Office network undertakes; Fianna Fáil proposes to enhance and expand An Post's financial services. Post Offices should become a centre for all state payments and charges."

The document, 'Enhancing our Post Offices: Fianna Fáil's Vision for the Future of the Irish Post Office Network', can be read in full on the FF website.

(MH/CD)