asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will appoint a permanent postman for the Tourlestrane area, County Sligo, who would operate from the post office there.
274.
Written Answers. - County Sligo Post Office.
273.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will make a statement on the future of Tourlestrane post office, County Sligo, and the services provided there.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 and 274 together.
In order to reduce the cost of rural delivery, it has been policy since the early 1960's to examine the feasibility of motorising rural deliveries whenever postman vacancies arise. Preliminary examination indicates that it is practicable and economical to absorb the delivery route of a vacant part-time postman post at Tourlestrane in a proposed full-time motor post which will operate from Tubbercurry. Accordingly, the indications are that the vacant postman post at Tourlestrane will not be filled. Pending completion of the motorisation proposals, delivery in the area concerned is being performed by a postman from Tubbercurry in conjunction with his own post. This arrangement has reduced the cost of delivery and, generally, delivery times in the area have been maintained.
There are no other plans affecting postal services at Tourlestrane and post office counter services will continue to be provided there. Consideration is being given to the possibility of the postman from Tubbercurry collecting mail at Tourlestrane.