Group proposes hi-tech developments for post offices

The national voluntary organisation aimed at promoting community development is calling for a radical re-development of rural post offices.

Muintir Na Tire's policy document aims to halt the decline in rural post offices by re-positioning them as "one-stop shops" for bringing information technology services to local communities.

The key elements of the policy include making post offices the front desk for e-government transactions.

They also propose making ATM and banking services available at post offices, as well as FAS job placement services.

The group said that the post office should be a venue for internet access points and support offices for the tourism industry.

"The use of information technology is fundamental to the future of the rural post office network," said JJ Bunyan, spokesperson for Muintir Na Tire.

"We recognise that the current level of service provided by the average post office does not meet the needs of local communities and is not commercially viable.

"We want to reverse this decline by proactively proposing new services that would grow income and bring information technology services to the masses."