27 July 2001

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An Post rural services continue to be downgraded

Sinn Féin Alderman Seán MacManus has said the decision of An Post to withdraw the sale of Prize Bonds from small Post Offices will increase fears that services are being downgraded in rural areas. The withdrawal of this service comes two weeks after An Post Chief Executive, John Hayes warned the government that it will have to subsidise post offices if they are to remain open.

Alderman MacManus said:

"Two weeks ago Sinn Féin highlighted the fact that rural communities are increasingly suffering as a result of the failure of the government policy in relation to the maintenance and development of essential services and the provision of much needed employment.

"The decision to take away the sale of Prize Bonds will hit many post offices badly. This reduction in services by An Post is an indication of the lack of commitment to rural areas.

"Post Offices are often the back bone of small communities. If the government fail to take decisive action in order to develop, rather than down grade the services offered then they will be participating in the decline of rural Ireland."

Alderman MacManus can be contacted @ 086 - 819 84 56

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