The Government is set to come under intense political pressure from postmasters disgruntled at lack of progress in implementing a plan to revitalise and modernise their businesses.

A working group to transform post offices into “social hubs” offering numerous community, financial, and retail services has been established.

Almost 15,000 signatures have been gathered in less than 24 hours in an attempt to stop the sale of 5,000 acres of land in the Dublin Mountains.