Unofficial strike blocks mail deliveries in north-east

Thousands of homes in the north-east were left without mail deliveries today due to an unofficial dispute at the post office in Drogheda, Co Louth.

The south Louth and east Meath areas are affected by the strike, which was called after An Post placed extra demands on the staff.

Meanwhile, the Irish Postmasters Union has come out in support of controversial plans to replace door-to-door deliveries with a US-style post-box system.

Opponents of the plan say it will adversely effect the elderly, the disabled and people who live in isolated areas.