It’s feared Clare’s Post Office Network is reaching a point of no return, after it emerged that at least two post offices in rural parts of the county are to close their doors.
They’re among fourteen across the county, who have been offered a voluntary redundancy package by An Post.
In April last, it emerged that fourteen postmasters and postmistresses were offered the option of remaining on their existing contract or taking up a redundancy package.
The deadline for a decision is today and so far two post offices in Cooraclare and Kilfenora have confirmed to Clare FM that they will close.
Three in Craggah-Fanore, Cree and Lisseycasey have stated that they’re still considering their options, while the owner of Doonbeg’s post office has been unavailable for comment.
The remaining eight in Whitegate, Labasheeda, Quilty, Kilmurry McMahon, Feakle, Dromindoora, Carrigaholt and Broadford are all to remain open.
Quilty Postmistress Beatrice O’Riordan believes no-one wants to close but she say for some, there’s no choice.
Fears have been expressed that this is the beginning of a long line of closures, which it’s claimed could sound the deathknell for rural communities.
Mayor of Ennis, Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy has questioned whether the political will truly exists to support post offices, and is worried that we’re reached a point of no return.
Sixmilebridge Independent Councillor PJ Ryan was involved in a successful campaign to save Cratloe Post Office a number of years ago, and is another supporter of the community banking model that’s hailed by some as a panacea for post offices.
He believes people and community power, coupled with Government support, is the only way to save the network.
