Post offices under threat despite deal

Postmasters have warned the future of 400 small post offices remains under threat, despite the announcement An Post is poised to retain a contract worth €58m per annum to handle social welfare payments.

The Irish Postmasters’ Union welcomed yesterday’s confirmation that the state-owned company is the preferred bidder for the delivery of over-the-counter cash services on behalf of the Department of Social Protection.

However, the IPU, which represents more than 1,000 postmasters, said dangers remained for the post office network because of government policy.