Kelly: Post Offices must be allowed to retain social welfare payments

A Wexford Councillor has stressed that the retention of social welfare payments in post offices is of crucial importance to the future viability of Post network.  Cllr Anthony Kelly was speaking after his motion calling for the Councils support for the retention of social welfare payments in post offices was passed at last Monday night’s meeting of Wexford Borough Council.

“Sinn Féin supports giving our post offices more responsibilities instead of removing services from them,” Cllr Kelly said, “While some might consider it a welcome move to remove the post office from the social benefit payment cycle, such a move will effectively shut down post offices across this county.”

“380 post offices have been shut down in the last decade in this state.  I was part of the campaign which fought unsuccessfully to restore service to the post office in Duncormick.  It’s been nearly two years since that office was closed down but the effects are still highly visible in that local community.  The loss of a post office is a brutal blow to a community, particularly a rural one, and must be avoided at all costs.”

“Sinn Féin supports placing new services in post offices which would increase traffic through them.  This would include withdrawal and lodgement services, motor tax renewals and rent payments.”