The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, today announced a funding package of €30 million over a three-year fixed period to support a sustainable, nationwide post office network. Minister Ryan brought a memo outlining the funding package to Cabinet this afternoon. Through this measure, the Government recognises the importance of a high-value and high-quality Post Office network to citizens right across the country, as well as the central and trusted role of postmasters in our communities.
An Post provides important services to its customers and key Government services to citizens. The Government is committed to working with An Post and postmasters to ensure that the network continues to play a strong role in delivering State services.
The measure announced today will support the existing network of approximately 900 post offices. In particular, the aim is to safeguard the most vulnerable post offices – to protect access to services across the country.
Funding will be disbursed, to ensure a balance between providing vital financial support and certainty, while at the same time maintaining a commercial focus. Monies will be distributed between a fixed/guaranteed element and a variable, performance-based element, which will be determined following consultation between An Post and the IPU (Irish Postmasters Union) and approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Exact details relating to the disbursal of funds will be released in due course, subsequent to these consultations.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Noonan said: “The post office is at the heart of Irish society, providing vital services to rural and urban communities. It’s so important that we invest in it. I’m delighted that today’s announcement of €10m a year from 2023 to 2025 will ensure that An Post remains accessible and sustainable, now and into the future.”