asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that following the retirement of one of the two postmen attached to Lavagh post office, County Sligo, a decision was taken not to appoint a successor; that this has caused considerable dismay amongst the people of the parish of Mullinabreena who have been served by two postmen from this central post office since the foundation of the State; and that there is now anxiety there that the failure to appoint a replacement for the retiring postman may be the beginning of a plan to phase out all of the work now carried on at Lavagh post office thus depriving the local community of the convenience of these services; if he will outline his plans for the postal deliveries in the area; in particular if he will take steps to have a second postman appointed; and if he will give an assurance regarding the future of Lavagh post office.
Written Answers. - Appointment of Postman.
435.
It is not proposed to fill the vacant part-time postman post at Lavagh post office. In accordance with long-standing policy of motorising rural postal deliveries where it is economical to do so, the delivery route has been absorbed in a full-time motor post based at Tubbercurry post office. Present plans do not envisage any further changes in postal delivery arrangements at Lavagh and post office counter services are not affected.