asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the proposed closing of Thomastown Sub-office, Co. Roscommon; whether an extensively-signed petition has been forwarded to him protesting against such closing; whether he is aware that if this sub-office is closed the inhabitants of a highly-congested area will have no Post Office nearer than from nine to fifteen miles, and whether, in the circumstances, he will reconsider the proposal to close this office.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CO. ROSCOMMON SUB-POST OFFICE.
I am aware that in consequence of the very small amount of business transacted at the Sub-Post Office at Thomastown, Athlone, it has been decided to close it in the near future.
A memorial on the subject has reached me, but both the memorialists and the Deputy are under a misapprehension in thinking that the nearest office to Thomastown is nine miles distant. There is an office at Ballydangan, only two miles away, and, apart from this, stamps and postal orders can be obtained from the postman serving the district. Old age pensioners, if incapacitated from attending at a Post Office, can have their pensions paid through agents.
I have carefully considered the representations made, but in view of the little use made of the office by the public, and the expense involved by its maintenance, I regret that I would not be justified in altering the decision which has already been arrived at in the matter.