Anton McNulty
antonmcnulty@mayonews.ie
An Post have confirmed that they are looking into the possibility of locating a ‘postal agency’ in Knockmore, but stressed that it could be months before it is in place.
The north Mayo village’s only post office closed following the retirement of its Post Master in May. Despite a high-profile local campaign to retain it, An Post maintained the service was not justified on commercial grounds.
It was reported during the week that An Post is planning to locate a postal agency in Knockmore. However, the semi-state company told to The Mayo News that it is ‘looking into’ the possibility, and that no decision has been made.
Aengus Laverty, the Public Affairs Officer with An Post stressed that the company’s consideration of the idea is only at the initial stages, and that a number of hurdles will have to be overcome before they decide to locate a postal agency in Knockmore. The process will take a ‘number of months’, he said.
“It will be well down the road before it happens,” Mr Laverty told The Mayo News. “We will have to look any expressions of interest and negotiate with them before there is any possibility of opening up. It is difficult to give a timeframe but it will take a number of months.”
The 152 postal agencies across the country only pay out Department of Social Protection payments, such as pensions and social welfare. The do not sell stamps or mobile top-ups. A Post Point service is possible, however.
News of the postal agency was first announced by Fine Gael TD’s John O’Mahony and Michelle Mulherin who welcomed An Post’s decision. Deputy Mulherin said the decision will go ‘a distance in restoring confidence that An Post is not just commercially driven’ and does listen to communities and local representatives.
“[The] confirmation by An Post for Knockmore is an excellent result and I am delighted to have been in a position to help bring the campaign to save Knockmore Post Office to the highest level. This campaign was fought long and hard and I would like to compliment the local Campaign Committee for all their efforts,” she said.
Despite the limited service of the postal agency compared to a post office, Brendan Boland of the Save Knockmore Post Office Action Committee welcomed the announcement as a vindication of their campaign.
“As far as we are concerned, the committee regard this announcement as a breakthrough and welcome it. The fact that we were persistent with the campaign, were constructive with An Post and campaigned in a positive a dignified manner all helped,” he said.
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