CONCERN has been expressed about the lack of information being provided to Clare postmasters about the exact amount they will be paid, if a new alliance with Bank of Ireland is agreed and implemented.
Kildysart native, Tom O’Callaghan of Independent Postmasters’ Group said it looked as if postmasters are being offered a relatively small payment to complete all Bank Of Ireland branch services in post offices.
Mr O’Callaghan said a community banking model would be more sustainable, providing funding for small and medium enterprises and localcommunities.
The provision of banking though the Post Office Network will require initial investment. National Treasury Management Agency has more than €23 Billion in deposits, which could be incentivised for investment to public banking.
He stressed new measures are needed to safeguard the the post office network in Clare and prevent further closures.
His concern comes after another setback for the Broadford Action Group’s efforts to reverse the closure of the local post office, which has been in operation for almost 190 years.
Deputy Cathal Crowe requested a socially distanced face-to-face meeting with senior An Post management, Oireachtas representatives for Clare and a delegation from the Broadford Local Action Committee to properly discuss this matter.
An Post chief executive, David McRedmond has officially turned down a request to facilitate this meeting.
A zoom meeting with a number of Oireachtas members, local councillors and members of the Broadford Community Action Group took place recently.
Oireachtas members present including Violet Anne-Wynne, Cathal Crowe, Joe Carey, Senators Martin Conway, Timmy Dooley, Councillors Pat Burke and Joe Cooney – were told of the communities disappointment at the failure of An Post to meet with the community.
BCAG members pointed out the decision by An Post to cease services to Broadford after almost 190 years was discriminatory, ageist, and foolhardy.
There was no recognition of the changes to the rural life in a post pandemic environment.
The public representatives were told that present policies are rural degenerative for communities like Broadford. There is anger within the area at the off-handed way that An Post have dealt with the representations made by the community and public representatives.
It was agreed that a further Zoom meeting would be held in a few weeks, allow political work to take place, to see if anything else might be forthcoming by way of a service to Broadford.
Dan Danaher
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.