Post office won’t be lost

FEARS that the post office in Ballymun would be lost to the area following the retirement of postmaster Dermot Higgins have been allayed.

Local residents had expressed concern that the area would be left without a post office but owner of SuperValu, Robert Murphy, has been awarded the contract to run the An Post services.

The new post office will be based in the rear of the SuperValu store and it’s understood it will have longer opening hours. The news was revealed by local councillor, Noeleen Reilly (SF), who learned of the development at a recent Economic Development meeting for the Ballymun Civic Alliance.

“I am pleased to announce that Robert Murphy will be taking over as Postmaster in Supervalu,

? she said.

“Well done Robert and I’m delighted to see this go to a local businessperson.

“The store will be adapted to meet the needs of the customer. I think this is an important step in retaining and growing business in Ballymun.

?

Cllr Reilly also expressed gratitude for the popular outgoing postmaster.

“I want to thank Dermot for all his years given to Ballymun,

? she said.

“He looked after everyone’s needs very well and is an absolute gent.

?

News of the successful tendering process for Ballymun Post Office came shortly before last week’s publication of an initial report from the Post Office Business Development Group.

The report was welcomed by Cllr Noel Rock (FG), who also spoke about Ballymun Post Office.

“This is good news, and puts an end to the fear-mongering being incorrectly whipped up by some local politicians,

? he said.

“On the wider issue though, the Chair of the Post Office Business Development Group, Bobby Kerr has emphasised that our post office network must diversify in order to secure its future and to grow.

“Some of the ideas proposed include using post offices to pay motor tax, the local property tax, hospital charges and expanding the banking services already provided.

?

The Post Office Business Development Group has opened the initial report for public consultation until July 28 and Cllr Rock is encouraging all interested groups to get involved and have a say.

The report can be found on the Department of Communications website.