Brendan Howlin
Question:60 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the number of post offices which have closed in each of the past twelve months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18087/01]
Written Answers. - Post Offices.
As the Deputy is aware, the present policy is that there should be no post office closures. However, vacancies within the network arise as a result of illness, death or retirement. In such cases An Post advertises the post at least twice and actively canvasses for suitable persons to fill the vacant positions. It is only when a suitable candidate for a vacancy cannot be found that a post office is closed on a temporary basis pending an application from such a person.
The number of post offices closed in such circumstances in each of the last 12 months is set out as follows:
|
June 2000 |
1 |
|
July 2000 |
6 |
|
August 2000 |
1 (re-opened in May 2001) |
|
September 2000 |
3 |
|
October 2000 |
5 |
|
November 2000 |
2 (1 re-opened in May 2001) |
|
December 2000 |
10 |
|
January 2001 |
4 |
|
February 2001 |
4 |
|
March 2001 |
6 |
|
April 2001 |
7 |
|
May 2001 |
3 |
Total for 12 months leading to May 2001: 52.
(Excluding re-openings: 50).