An Post announced that a new post office contract will be offered for Ardnaree.
I want to thank all of those members of the community who took part both in the public consultation and in the protests which clearly demonstrated how vital the post office is for so many people.
The determination of the local community is in stark contrast to the comments of the Fine Gael leader in the Seanad last week. In response to my calls for more investment in rural infrastructure, I was told that it was inevitable that more Garda stations and post offices will be closing in rural Ireland and that we must accept that.
Communities such as Ardnaree are giving a clear message to the Government’s laissez-faire attitude. These services are needed and indeed should be expanded at post offices. I would have preferred the contract to be permanent but am happy that the community’s voice has been listened to and I hope the Government takes note that existing services have to be retained for any long term plan for rural Ireland to be successful.
