Post Office Closures: Statements (Resumed)
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-04
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Niamh Smyth (FF), Cavan-Monaghan

The programme for Government commits to the Government partnering with An Post and local communities to identify and preserve heritage post office buildings that are no longer in operation, respecting their historical value and exploring potential new uses. The Department is working in the first instance with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to discuss possible options. An Post also advises that it has a protocol in place which seeks to find the best future uses for these buildings, working with stakeholders such as the LDA and local authorities.
The Government is truly committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network. It is an integral part of our economic and social infrastructure and plays a significant role in our lives. In times of crisis, such as during severe storms, it has even provided a lifeline to communities during the recovery. This was certainly the case during Covid. The Government will continue to support the network and the postmasters who operate on a daily basis and preserve its position in the heart of local communities.
I thank the Minister for her support here tonight. In my ten years here, I do not believe I have ever before seen Private Members' business being brought forward and nobody from the party that brought it forward being here to hear the response.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-04/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:43+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-04