EXCLUSIVE: 18 rural post offices in Limerick earmarked for closure under An Post plan

UP to 18 rural post offices across Limerick could be closed under An Post’s modernisation plan which was finalised in recent weeks.

While the executive of the Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) has endorsed the €50m plan, its members – who are self-employed – are to be balloted on the proposal.

While the specific details of the plan have not been released publicly, An Post has said it is committed to having a post office for every community of more than 500 people.

It says it will also ensure that 95% of the population is within 15km of a post office.

The Limerick Leader has learned the post offices in County Limerick which have been identified for closure under the plan are located in Anglesborough, Ardagh, Athea, Ballyagran, Ballyneety, Broadford, Crecora, Dromkeen, Feenagh, Kilbehenny, Kildimo, Knocklong, Lisnagry, Mungret, Old Pallas, Oola, Shanagolden and Templeglantine.

Earlier this month, members of Limerick City and County Council passed a motiion opposing the closure of rural post offices in Limerick.

An Post has said that under its plan it will offer a voluntary scheme with financial incentives for any retiring postmasters.

Of 1,122 post offices across the country, 50 are run directly by An Post, with the remainder operated by postmasters, who are self-employed.

The State-owned has stated there will not be any compulsory closures.