Calls for action to restore post office services in Rathfarnham village

A Southside TD is calling on the local community to help restore An Post services in their area.

Dublin South West Fianna Fail TD John Lahart says many of his constituents have been in touch with him in relation to the closure of Rathfarnham Post Office.

He told Southside People that they have expressed concerns about the inconvenience and impact the closure has had on the community.

Many rely on the services provided by the post office, and the move to Nutgrove has posed challenges for residents from a commuting viewpoint, he said.

Following the sad passing in November of the postmaster Donal Bermingham, whose family had been a long time operating the post office in Rathfarnham, An Post has tried to get other operators to take over but has been unsuccessful so far.

“Once I learned of the closure, I immediately engaged with An Post, contacting both the CEO and Deputy CEO to highlight the significance of losing another Post Office serving the constituency,” Deputy Lahart said.

“Noting that Templeogue had also recently experienced a loss of postal services, I highlighted the importance of maintaining accessible postal services for the community”.

In its response to Deputy Lahart, An Post has expressed openness to re-establishing a post office in Rathfarnham Village but requires a partner to facilitate this endeavour.

Despite previous efforts to find suitable partners, including canvassing the area and considering available properties, no viable options have materialised.

However, An Post say they remain receptive to any fresh approaches from interested individuals or businesses.

Deputy Lahart says he is calling on the community to assist in identifying potential partners with an enterprising spirit who may be interested in operating a post office in Rathfarnham.

“The restoration of this service would be welcomed by local residents,” Deputy Lahart said in conclusion.

“I encourage anyone with leads or an interest to reach out or to contact my office for further discussion.”

Email response to Deputy Lahart from Deputy CEO of An Post – Angus Laverty:

“Dear Deputy Lahart,

Many thanks for your correspondence and for your engagement on the issues surrounding the closure of the former post office in Rathfarnham.

As you outlined we were forced to close the post office in Rathfarnham following the sad death of our Postmaster Donal Bermingham.

Previously we had advertised the contract on three occasions but to no avail.

We also spoke to members of the Bermingham family but they did not wish to carry on the business and wanted to regain possession of the post office property.

That left us with no alternative but to close the office and move our customers to Nutgrove post office around 1.7km away.

We are still very much open to engaging with potential contractors in the area who might wish to partner with us in returning the post office to the area.

I have asked that our An Post Retail team continue to explore any future options that might arise here including the vacant premises you mention.

I will update you if we make any progress in this regard.

In relation to the removal of the Meter box at Main Street.

This box had become dangerously corroded and having surveyed the usage of the box over a period the decision was taken to remove it permanently.

The local post box will, however, remain in place.

Many thanks again for your ongoing engagement and support.

Yours, Angus”