Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
175. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps his Department is taking to support the Post Office network across rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16721/26]
View answer183. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures his Department is taking to support the rural post network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16792/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 183 together.
The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The Programme for Government states that the Government will continue to provide the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities.
In that regard, on 13 January 2026, Government approved renewed funding for the Post Office Network over the next 5 years (2026-2030), at an enhanced amount of €15m per annum from my Department.
In line with the Programme for Government, the funding will support the stability and sustainability of the nationwide network of post offices, protecting and nurturing a commercially focused Post Office Network. It will also support access for citizens to the key social benefits of the Post Office Network and help citizens access services effectively and equitably.
The Government also agreed the principles on which the funding model will operate, which include:
• maintaining access to the network across urban and rural Ireland, ensuring no community is left behind.
• aligning individual funding with criteria including the degree of isolation and the sustainability of each post office.
• ensuring a minimum revenue threshold for post offices.
• recognising offices of cultural or geographic significance—such as those on inhabited islands or in Gaeltacht areas.
It should be noted that An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State's postal service and the post office network.
Decisions relating to the network, including decisions relating to specific post offices are operational matters for the Board and management of the company and not one in which I have any function.
The terms under which Postmasters contract with An Post is a matter between the Postmasters and An Post and any negotiations are a matter for both parties directly.
