An Post responds to relocation concerns

AN Post has
responded to criticism about its proposal to close its parcel processing
operation in Kilbarrack and relocate to the Southside.

A member of
staff, who did not wish to be named, contacted Northside People last week
expressing concern about the future of the depot.

“The Kilbarrack
parcel depot has a 99.9 per cent next day delivery,

? the staff member said.

“Moving to the Southside isn’t going to improve this.

“We have a great
team and a great system in place here.

?

A spokeswoman
for An Post said that, like every business, it continually reviews its
premises, staffing, work procedures, technology and fleet requirements.

“Our stated
strategy of competing for and winning business, and of providing top quality
service while remaining cost effective, is the foundation stone of all
decisions,

? she told Northside People.

“We regularly
construct new premises, renovate existing premises and vacate those which are
no longer fit for purpose.

“We are
currently restructuring our national parcels operation to ensure a top quality
service whilst growing the business and expanding our range of parcel services.

“For example, we
have invested in state-of-the-art facilities and new generation technology at
our national parcels hub at Portlaoise Mails Centre.

?

The spokeswoman
said its strategy includes a proposal to relocate the Dublin and North East
parcel processing operations to a more suitable hub in Merrywell, Dublin
12.

“This is purely
an operational matter and has no consequences for customers,

? she stated.

“Parcel
deliveries will continue as normal, and any undeliverable packages will be
available for collection at the customer’s own local delivery service unit,
from where their letters are delivered.

?

The spokeswoman
said discussions were ongoing between An Post and the staff’s trade union
representatives regarding the implications of this change.

“As is the case
with every business, commercial realities and the particular challenges posed
by Ireland’s economic environment mean that ongoing change is essential so as
to ensure the continued profitability of An Post, the success of the parcels
business through meeting customers’ needs and the retention of the maximum
number of viable jobs,

? she added.