Blarney post office is safe, says An Post

AN POST has allayed fears that post office services could be lost to one of Ireland’s premier tourist spots.

Worries that the post office could be lost to Blarney were sparked when David Scally wrote to An Post officials informing them that he intended to sell up his business and resign as postmaster.

Mr Scally is selling his SuperValu supermarket in Blarney to well-known Carrigaline-based businessman Barry Collins.

Concerns were raised that locals might have to travel into Cork city to find a post office. It was also feared that thousands of tourists, who traditionally send postcards to friends after kissing the famous Blarney Stone, might also be inconvenienced.

However, a senior An Post official said yesterday the company is confident that a successor will be found for Mr Scally.

Frank Cronin, An Post’s retail operations manager, said the company had received “a number of applications” from people interested in carrying on the business.

He said that the new post office might not operate from its existing premises, which is in a building owned by Mr Scally, and is situated a few doors away from his supermarket.

“Applicants who might want to take it on may offer another premises, however, these premises would have to fit a certain amount of criteria, which includes the fact that they would have to be centrally located,” Mr Cronin said.

“David (Scally) is getting out of the business and has tendered his resignation. We’re looking for a new contractor and it normally takes up to three months to fill such a vacancy,” Mr Cronin said.

He added that he was confident Mr Scally would continue to operate the post office until a smooth handover could be arranged.