Lifeline for rural post offices as they could receive up to €20,000 a year in government subsidies

Small rural post offices could receive up to €20,000 a year in government subsidies to stay alive.

A new An Post report into the future of 1,300 branches across the country has recommended that isolated post offices — which are the lifeblood of many communities — be supported financially to help them adapt and survive.

The report proposes subsidising loss-making or struggling post offices by way of a taxpayer-funded subsidy for between two and three years, to allow them develop themselves into a viable business, co-locate with another business or fold.