Up to 40% of post offices in Tipperary could face closure unless proper funding is forthcoming from the Government.
Local TD Michael Murphy raised the issue with Tánaiste Simon Harris in the Dáil to highlight the threat to services in the Premier County and right across the country.
While paying tribute to the efforts of Post Masters and Mistresses Deputy Murphy says the future is far from certain for many of them.
“Increasing this funding to €15 million annually over five years would ensure the viability of many of the 845 post offices nationwide – more than 500 of which are in areas without any financial institution.
“Tánaiste, not withstanding the crucial role that the rural post office plays in our community there’s a much bigger issue here and that is social cohesion at its very heart.
“Tánaiste can I ask you to commit to this funding – to stand up for the rural post office?”
The Tánaiste says the Government is committed to providing adequate funding to ensure rural Post Offices in Tipperary can continue to operate.
Simon Harris was in no doubt that the network deserved to be properly funded.
“This government remains fully committed to a sustainable An Post and to a sustainable post office network as a key component of our economic infrastructure and our social infrastructure right across the country.
“Our new Programme for Government states that we’ll continue to provide the nationwide network of post offices with the funding they need to ensure their sustainability and ensure the value they bring to local communities.”
