asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will appoint a postman for the Caltra sub-post office area, Ballinasloe, County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Postman.
6.
Mr. Kitt
No. The with-drawal of a motorised post would be involved; this would result in a substantial increase in costs and the down-grading of a postman from full-time to part-time status.
Mr. Kitt
What steps does the Minister propose to take to ensure that an adequate delivery system is implemented in this area?
My understanding is that the present system is adequate. Despite the later delivery to the village, residents in the area have a minimum interval of five hours in which to reply to urgent correspondence between 1.30 p.m., when delivery is completed, and the latest time of posting at Caltra sub-office.
Mr. Kitt
Is the Minister aware that last October two postmen were serving this sub-post office area? I am asking him to appoint a postman or to ensure that an adequate service is provided.
The process of motorisation which has been carried on throughout the country as a means of endeavouring to secure economy in the postal service has affected many areas, including the area in question. The basing of a postman at Caltra sub-post office, which seems to be what is sought in the question, would entail withdrawing the motorised post and would increase the cost of the delivery service by approximately £550 per year at current rates. It would also mean that the temporary postman-driver employed on the motorised post would be downgraded to his former auxiliary status. This course could not be recommended.
Mr. Kitt
Will the Minister state what he considers a reasonable time for the delivery of mail?
That is a separate question.