It’s claimed a decision not to re-tender the post office contract for Broadford would be “another attack on rural Ireland”.
The existing contract holder has decided to relinquish their contract and there is concern that An Post is not going to advertise for a replacement post office for the village.
There has been a postal service in Broadford since 1831, but that’s now under threat.
The post office in the East Clare village has been closed for personal reasons since before Christmas, and now the existing contract holder has decided to retire.
But despite interest from other parties in taking over the service, there are fears that An Post will not seek a replacement post office for the village, forcing locals to travel to Tulla, Ardnacrusha or Kilkishen.
An Post is meeting with locals and local representatives via zoom today and when contacted by Clare FM, a spokesperson for the company declined to comment on the future of Broadford Post Office prior to that meeting.
PJ Mason from the Broadford Action Community says it’s of critical importance to the local community.
Bodyke Councillor Joe Cooney says the service is vital for Broadford and for surrounding areas as well.
The Fine Gael Councillor is calling on An Post to give the business community of Broadford the opportunity to tender for the contract at the very least.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil Senator has paid tribute to the former contract holders, saying the O’Brien family have been stalwarts in the local community.
Timmy Dooley claims it would be a dreadful if a difficult family situation would mark the end of the vital service.
He says changes in the way people are working and living since the beginning of the pandemic further strengthens the argument for maintaining the service.