Poll: Should An Post close loss-making post offices?
As many as 200 are reportedly on the chopping block.
IT HAS BEEN widely reported in recent weeks that more than half of Ireland’s 1,150 post offices are now loss-making.
According to the Sunday Independent, as many as 200 An Post branches could be shuttered in a bid to plug a growing gap in the company’s finances. That’s more than double the number of potential closures reported on Wednesday.
Such a measure would be deeply unpopular, especially in rural areas.
However, An Post is expected to post a €15 million loss for 2016, compared to an operating profit of €5.2 million during the 12 months prior. The majority of that loss – €10 million – is attributed to the cost of operating post offices.
Some have argued that the state should inject millions into the company to help it deal with its financial woes.
A paper penned by businessman Bobby Kerr reportedly suggested that as well as closing 80 branches, the government should pump €58 million into An Post.
The company has only received one bailout since it became a semi-state in 1984, when it was given €13 million in 2003.
With that in mind, we’re asking Fora readers this week: Should An Post close loss-making post offices?
