An Post is committed to changing the Post Office service in Tipperary town to a contractor led service at a new premises.
The company says this is it’s preferred model of post office operation perhaps co-located with another business.
The six staff working at Tipperary town Retail Post Office were informed on January 25th that they can apply for redeployment to another An Post Retail Office, seek a transfer within An Post to a different part of the business or take a redundancy payment and possibly apply for employment with a new private sector Postmaster.
Such employment would be under different terms and conditions.
One of the existing staff could also apply for the role of Postmaster when the retail opportunity is advertised by An Post.
The company is not supportive of the service remaining in the Grattan Street facility.
The company says the Post Office in Tipperary town is busy and the decision to transfer from An Post Management to the private sector represents a business opportunity in Tipperary and expects that the contract will shortly be advertised.
Postmasters from the private sector managing Post Office services are paid a fee per transaction and also receive financial support under a new agreement put in place since the pandemic.
In May 2022 the Government announced that €10M per year for 3 years will be provided to postmasters to supplement their income at a rate of €10,000 to €12,000 per annum – it is thought likely that this funding will become permanent.
Cllr Anne Marie Ryan is not in favour of the change and adds that a state services such as An Post which was deemed an essential service during the pandemic should not be focused on profit making.
Ms Ryan is adamant that An Post should ensure the service stays in the town centre adding that a move to a location other than in the town centre could be fatal for the town centre retail trade.
Ms Ryan does not want Tipperary town to lose another Government service as the District Court Sittings have not returned to Tipperary since they were moved to Nenagh Court during the pandemic.
An Post also confirmed today that a new postmaster for Cashel and a new location for the service is currently being selected from applications received to date.
The former Post Office building in Thurles on Liberty Square, which An Post vacated in 2019 is now for sale although there is no “For Sale” signage on the building.
