Meeting with An Post CEO confirmed amid opposition to merger of Mayo-Roscommon delivery service
Minister of State Alan Dillon has confirmed that a meeting is being arranged with An Post CEO David McRedmond following growing opposition to the proposed amalgamation mail operations in Ballyhaunis and Castlerea.
The Mayo TD met with postal workers at the Ballyhaunis Delivery Service Unit on Friday morning, February 6, alongside representatives from the Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce and local councillor Alma Gallagher, to hear concerns about the future of the service.
The meeting comes amid an ongoing dispute between An Post and staff over proposed operational changes, with worries mounting about the potential impact on local employment, service reliability, and the wider business community in east Mayo.
A petition opposing the proposed move, organised by Anne Cunnane of the Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce and Cllr Gallagher, has gathered almost 3,500 signatures.
The petition was handed to Tánaiste Simon Harris earlier this week. Minister Dillon confirmed he has discussed the situation directly with the Tánaiste.
“A meeting is being scheduled with Mr McRedmond where we will outline the concerns raised locally and seek clarity on An Post’s plans for Mayo’s postal services,” Minister Dillon said today.
The Fine Gael TD said he is committed to ensuring the voices of workers and local businesses are heard, and that the issue is being escalated both within Government and directly with senior management at An Post.
“I want to be absolutely clear, no decisions should be made without proper engagement with those directly affected,” he said. “I will be pressing An Post to provide certainty, transparency, and a commitment to maintaining strong postal services in Mayo.”
“Ballyhaunis has a long and proud postal tradition, and the workers here provide an essential service to families and businesses across East Mayo,” Minister Dillon added.
Under the proposed plan, 13 staff currently based in Ballyhaunis would begin their working day in Castlerea, travel to east Mayo to complete delivery routes, and then return to Castlerea at the end of their shift.
The change would add an estimated 40km round trip to workers’ daily schedules.
The Ballyhaunis Delivery Service Unit has operated from the town’s enterprise units since 2015, when it relocated from Bridge Street.
At that time, An Post invested €360,000 in retrofitting the building, which is owned by the Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce.
An Post has said the proposed move “represents sound planning for the future in terms of local infrastructure around this part of Mayo and Roscommon”.
However, Cllr Gallagher has criticised the proposal as being framed as a cost-saving measure, a claim she says is difficult to justify given An Post reported revenues in excess of €1 billion in 2024.
Minister Dillon said he will continue to work closely with Ballyhaunis businesses, postal workers and local representatives to ensure the community’s concerns are fully represented.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.