More than 500 post offices in danger of closing, says union

More than 500 post offices are at risk of closure if the government continues to move to electronic payments.

The Irish Postmasters Union has claimed that more than 500 post offices could close if the Government continues to move to electronic payments.

The union claims that even though they have the welfare contract, they are losing the welfare business.

Postmasters also at risk from the new 'Post and Pay' partnership An Post has with Tesco, it was claimed, with the union saying it could destroy the network in two years.

General Secretary Brian McGann has called on the Government to keep their promise to save the network.

"Our question - and it's our only question - is how is it going to be maintained if there's no plan?" he said.

"We're asking Government - and the Dáil motion that the Technical Group are putting forward next week on our behalf simply looks for a plan to deliver on the commitment that they've made".

"How can you keep a commitment if you don't have a plan?"