Post Office to close Chapelizod branch on June 23

An Post has revealed that it will be closing its branch in Chapelizod on June 23, following correspondence sent to local county councillors.

The email, seen by Southside People, was sent by a public affairs manager at An Post.

“Just wanted to give you a heads up on events in Chapelizod where unfortunately and despite our best efforts the local post office will close on Wednesday, June 23 next,” the email read.

“We have been working for some time to find a contractor to take on the provision of a post office in Chapelizod following the decision of our postmaster to retire from the business.

“We advertised the vacancy on three separate occasions and also canvassed the local area but to no avail.

“We have no other option but to close the office.”

This is the second time in recent months that the inability of An Post to find a new operator for the branch, has led to the closure of a post office.

Earlier this year the Mount Merrion branch was forced to close after An Post received no applications to fulfil the vacant management role.

An Post says that it re-advertised the position three times, but failed to attract applicants.

“Our postmaster in Mount Merrion informed us that he wished to leave the business.

“We advertised the vacant contract there on three occasions but to no avail.

“We have no alternative but to allow the postmaster to proceed with his own plans and close the office on March 31st.

“We regret the fact that Mount Merrion post office will close but want to assure you that every effort was made to find a new contractor to provide post office services to the area.”

For Chapelizod, An Post says customers will be moved to the Ballyfermot Upper branch at the Le Fanu Shopping Centre initially.

“Those in receipt of payments from the Department of Social Protect will be initially transferred to Ballyfermot and will then have the opportunity of accessing these and all other services at services at other post offices in the area including Palmerstown PO.

“An Post apologises for any inconvenience and will work to ease the transition for customers.”

Sinn Fein councillor for the area Daithí Doolan says the closure will be a big loss for the community.

“This is deeply disappointing news.

“The post office is the heart of the community.

“The Chapelizod post office has provided a that service to the residents for many years.

“For many of the older residents the trip to the post office is part of their daily routine.

“It’s where they met up, chat and catch up with the latest news.

“The post office is often the heart of the community.

“It will be a big loss if Chapelizod loses their post office.

“I would appeal to An Post to do all they can to keep this essential service open for business.”