New Ross post office
Deputy Verona Murphy warned that tendering for a contractor could threaten the New Ross post office and its community role. The Taoiseach said An Post decides locations but agreed the town needs a central post office and would ask the Minister of State to respond.
Deputy Verona Murphy is next, I think.
Comment on this
I will not keep the House. I know we are over time. The people of New Ross, my local town, got some very concerning news last week that An Post is going to tender for a contractor for the post office. Their first concern is that it is in the heart of the town and there are eight people employed who have become part of the community over the years. They are very concerned if a contractor is not found to fill the tender. Will the Taoiseach and the Government ensure that the post office does not close and should not be relocated? This would have a huge impact on the community element of the town. I ask the Taoiseach to please answer that for the people of New Ross.
Comment on this
I do not have a direct role in deciding where post offices are located. It is a matter for An Post but I appreciate the feeling in the town. New Ross is a big town. It needs a post office, and post offices are much better located in the centre of the town than in other locations. I will speak to the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, about it and ask him to get back to the Deputy directly.