Brian O'Shea
Question:135 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the number of post offices which have closed in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30670/01]
Written Answers. - Post Office Network.
The number of post office closures in each of the past five years is as follows: 1997 – 14; 1998 – 16; 1999 – 10; 2000 – 33; 2001 (to date) – 53.
The present policy is that there should be no post office closures. However, vacancies within the network do arise as a result of illness, death or retirement. In such cases, An Post advertises the post at least twice and actively canvass for suitable persons to fill the vacant positions. It is only when a suitable candidate for a vacancy cannot be found or where there are no applicants, that a post office is closed. Such closures are regarded as temporary pending an application from a suitable person.