An Post defends 6% package postal rate rise

An Post has defended a near 6% hike in postage rates for packages and large mail items by saying the increase reflects rising handling and transportation costs.

On the back of its latest annual review of postage rates, the company plans to increase the average price of posting large envelopes, packets and "some" parcels within Ireland by an average of 5.9%; although it said some rates for larger items will reduce.