The programme for Government recognises the vital role played by post offices in communities across Ireland. It commits to supporting them on a long-term basis. This Bill is clearly part of that commitment, providing €15 million per year over the next five years to support the network. It is welcome investment. Post offices are an essential part of community life, particularly for older people, vulnerable people and those living in areas where access to other services may be limited, as Deputies mentioned. While the services provided by post offices have evolved over time, their importance to the communities they serve has not diminished. However, if we are serious about supporting the future of the postal network, we must also acknowledge the challenges facing consumers. This year the price of a national stamp increased to €1.85. I went back through the records. It has gone up at a fair pace in the last ten years. In 2016, a national stamp was 72 cent. In 2017, it went up to €1.00 and now we are at €1.85 for a regular national stamp. There is a risk of blasting through €2.00 for a national stamp and it does not seem to get any attention. The cost of sending a letter to destinations across Europe, including Britain, went to €3.50. I know An Post is facing rising costs and has fixed overheads but these increases are big for our citizens and those that use An Post services, and are particularly felt by older people who continue to rely on traditional postal services. They will be compounded by the new customs charges being applied on low-value items entering Ireland from outside the European Union. Where online retailers do not collect these charges at the point of purchase, customers may face an administrative charge of €6.95 from An Post. At a time when households across the State are feeling cost-of-living pressures, these additional costs will be keenly felt by consumers because they will be passed on to them. Like others, I want to raise a local issue around Harmonstown sorting office. The post office and postal service have been part of the fabric of Artane, Harmonstown and the wider areas on the northside for generations. Now there is a proposal to move that sorting office to Finglas. It is understandable that residents and businesses are very concerned about the impact that will have on them. Finglas is a minimum 10 km journey from Harmonstown for many people. While I understand and have been told any relocation is not expected to occur until 2027 and that planning is ongoing, meaningful engagement with local communities must take place before these decisions are nailed down and finalised. I want to support An Post. It has done great service for years. However, it is vital it does not compromise local services and senior citizens in particular accessing services provided in Harmonstown. Those services need to be made available to them elsewhere, nearby, so they can access them. Like others, I am pushing An Post to ensure there is not any reduction in services as a result of these charges because there is a serious lack of clarity at the moment as to what is happening with these services. An Post must answer those questions. The funding enhancement of post offices will be of little value if we cannot have those services and bring communities along with us into this new era.

Sentiment score: 0.20