New measures to support Wicklow’s Post Offices welcomed – Doyle

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/ East Carlow, Andrew Doyle, has said that the agreements reached as part of the Post Office Network Business Development Group report will support local post offices in the future.

“As a result of this report The Government has published the final report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group, which was chaired by businessman Bobby Kerr.While post offices remain central to our communities, there is a challenge to ensure that they remain competitive. The Business Development Group were asked to identify new business opportunities for the post office network and they have reported back today with a number of recommendations.

“A post office network renewal process, recommended in the report, is being established immediately and will conclude its work within six months.   It will build on An Post’s existing five-year strategy for the network and address the number and spatial distribution of branches, branch modernisation, the streamlining of products and services, postmaster payments and contracts, and training and qualifications for post office staff”

As a result of this report an investigation will take place into the feasibility of offering motor tax services in post office

“It is also planned that ePayment accounts will be rolled out in 2016 to enhance post office activity in financial services.

“A renewal process is to be established immediately and will conclude within six months. This review will address branch modernisation; the streamlining of products; postmaster payments and training for post office staff.

“An Post is one of Ireland’s most trusted brands but it is vital that we put our valued post office network on a sustainable footing into the future.

“The post office is a defining facility in rural villages in Wicklow and across the country. Implementing the recommendations of this report, though challenging, is very important. It is essential that we continue to create jobs in all parts of the country to provide business for post offices and to invest in vital services.

“Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going. Our plan will deliver more new jobs, spread right across the country, jobs that pay more than welfare, where hard work is rewarded. The plan will also deliver affordable, sustainable investments in services using the resources from growing employment.”