asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs why he has caused the closing of the sub-post office at Grogan, Errill, County Laois; if he is prepared to reconsider this decision having regard to the general demand from the public in the area; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the telephone service in this district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Sub-Post Offices.
11.
The sub-post office in question was closed, on the occurrence of a vacancy, because the amount of business transacted there was not sufficient to warrant its retention. The postal and telephone facilities in the area are adequate for requirements and I would not, therefore, be justified in re-opening the office.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this office was in existence for a long number of years? Surely there is no justification for the closing of this office at this stage, having regard to the volume of traffic?
The Parliamentary Secretary is aware that the office is closed since mid-November and this is the first squeak we have heard from the Deputy.
Might I ask the Parliamentary Secretary, without being critical in any way, whether, now that he is in the position to have the office re-opened, he will sympathetically reconsider the matter?
If it was right to close the office in November, it is right to keep it closed now.
Then the Parliamentary Secretary is quite satisfied that the office should remain closed?
I am. That will read well in the press.
12.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs why the sub-post office at Vicarstown, County Laois, was closed down; and if he has received protests from the area in regard to this action.
The small amount of post office business transacted did not justify retention of the sub-post office in question and I have explained this to a local committee.
Might I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether any new facts have been placed at his disposal which would warrant the re-opening of the sub-office?
No.
The Parliamentary Secretary is quite satisfied that this office should remain closed and has no intention of taking any steps to have it re-opened?
That is completely correct.