Broadford Post Office back in action

THE re-opening of Broadford Post Office next Tuesday has been hailed as a victory for community power in South-East Clare.
Deputy Timmy Dooley described the Broadford Action Group as a “shining example” to other communities throughout the country of what could be achieved by “community power” when they are faced with the threatened loss of local services.
“The retention of Broadford Post Office brought the whole community together to fight for their rights in a well-organised fashion, which resulted in great success.
“I was pleased to work with the local committee to retain Broadford Post Office and was particularly pleased to see the level of commitment and interest displayed by the community in retaining this service.
“I would credit the success of this campaign to the efforts of Broadford Action Group committee chairman PJ Mason and his committee, who represented the local community very well,” he said.
The post office was closed unexpectedly on November 9 last, which prompted a long-running campaign that included public meetings and the establishment of an action group, who subsequently met with An Post.
Group members presented a strong case to officials for the need to retain postal services in a catchment area with 2,500 people.
Over 1,000 signatures were collected in support of the service, in addition to the backing of over 70 businesses.
Four groups expressed an interest in providing the service and An Post chose former Clare minor hurler James O’Brien as the contractor.
PJ Mason appealed to everyone in the parish to support its repoening and use the new post office and noted this would be emphasised in a flyer to be distributed to local households.
While the committee received great support from public representatives and voluntary groups, he recalled Councillor Joe Cooney and Deputy Dooley were the most supportive.
James O’Brien said he is making final preparations for the opening next Tuesday.
“A full range of postal services will be provided in the post office. I am looking forward to the support of the local community. Only for the support of the local community, I would not be able to re-open this facility,” he said.
The retention of postal facilities in Broadford was also welcomed by Councillor Joe Cooney, who said it served a very large hinterland and had to remain open.