Deputy Martin Browne is to raise the decision by An Post to close the Post Office in Tipperary town and transfer the service to a private contractor in the Dáil today. An Post says it will advertise the contract shortly but that the existing staff have first preference in applying for the contract. The matter is to be discussed in the Dáil shortly after 9am. Deputy Browne is seeking a response from the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications.
Meanwhile two Senators are raising a similar decision about Roscommon town Post Office in the Seanad this morning. Senators Eugene Murphy & Aisling Dolan are to raise the issue under the Commencement Matters scheduled by the Cathaoirleach for discussion from 10.30 am. An Post announced on January 25th that 6 Post offices(Rathmines, Phibsboro, Tallaght, Wexford, Roscommon, Tipperary) run by An Post would close and a private contractor would be sought to provide the services in alternative premises.
Deputy Mattie McGrath raised the issue in the Dáil yesterday on the order of business debate. The Taoiseach was informed that Tipperary town had suffered some hammer blows in recent days with the closure of two hospitality businesses. Deputy McGrath accuses An Post of downgrading the service in the town without due regard to the staff. An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar responded that he would seek information from Minister Jack Chambers who holds responsibility for postal policy.
