Mayo councillors to write to An Post over ‘crazy’ plan to close sorting office
Councillors at the Westport and Belmullet Municipal District have agreed to write to An Post to continue their protest against plans to close the Barnatra sorting office and move the service to the Ballina Postal Depot.
News of the proposed change broke last month, when An Post revealed its plans, with the move expected to take effect in the second quarter of 2026.
Critics have raised concerns about the unnecessary increased travel, the environmental impact of using more diesel, and the broader issue of moving essential services away from rural Ireland.
At the municipal district's November meeting, Cllr Sean Carey highlighted the logistical nightmare the move would create.
"It is totally impractical. There are 13 postal people working here locally, and this would mean those 13 vans going to Ballina and back every day of the week,
"You're talking a 100km round trip for some, and more for others, to travel that. It is total nonsense," he said.
The route from Barnatra to Ballina, passing through Glenamoy, Belderrig, Ballycastle, and Killala, is roughly 77 miles and could add up to two hours to postal workers' days before they even begin deliveries.
Cllr Carey proposed that the council write to An Post to ask them to "disband the idea, and continue with the sorting office in the Erris area" and maintain the local service. This proposal was seconded by Cllr Peter Flynn.
Cllr Carey warned that the move could lead to a reduction in postal staff numbers, resulting in job losses.
Another concern was the potential loss of the community connection that is provided by local postal workers.
“It's a lifeline for a lot of people, to have the postman call to them. For a lot of people in remote areas and especially elderly people, the postman is the only person they meet for the day," Cllr Carey said.
Cllr Gerry Coyle agreed and added that it is "absolutely ridiculous" to send 13 vans to and from Ballina daily, particularly given the environmental impact.
"People have told me that some of those vans are electric," he said, "I can't tell you there is no van that will make it all the way to Ballina and deliver the post without needing to be charged."
He said it is "crazy what's being envisaged" by An Post.
Both Cllr Coyle and Mayo TD Keira Keogh were contacted last month by local postmaster Mr Healy, who informed them of the planned changes.
Mr Healy built the purpose-designed sorting facility in 2019, which currently serves the entire Erris region.
Critics of the move emphasise the essential role the postal service plays in community life. Erris, which is the size of County Louth, has a population of 12,000 people who depend heavily on local postal services for connectivity and accessibility.
Deputy Keogh confirmed that An Post had informed Fine Gael representatives that, as part of the proposed move, the postmaster would receive compensation of up to two years' income.
The union may seek transformation payments for postal workers who agree to relocate, and redundancy options may be available to those who choose not to move.
When the news broke, An Post said a consultation phase was ongoing and that no final decision had been made.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.