Petition over Mayo post office amalgamation presented to Tánaiste Simon Harris
The latest chapter in the campaign against the proposed amalgamation of the Ballyhaunis Delivery Service Unit with Castlerea has seen a petition opposing the move presented to Tánaiste Simon Harris.
During a visit by the Mayo Fine Gael group to Leinster House on Wednesday, February 4, Ballyhaunis councillor Alma Gallagher outlined the community’s concerns directly to Mr Harris, highlighting the strong local opposition to An Post’s plans.
A petition containing 2,547 handwritten signatures, along with a further 836 online submissions, has now been gathered, bringing the total number of signatories opposing the move to 3,383.
An Post announced last November that the amalgamation is scheduled to take place in the second quarter of this year.
The proposal would see the 13 staff currently based in Ballyhaunis merge with 35 employees in Castlerea, with operations relocated to the Castlerea Business Park in Co Roscommon.
The Ballyhaunis Delivery Service has been operating for the past 10 years and operates within a wide catchment area from Cloonfad to Kilkelly, handling more than 2,000 items every day.
Under the proposed changes, staff based in Ballyhaunis would begin their working day in Castlerea, travel to east Mayo to complete their delivery routes, and then return to Castlerea at the end of their shift.
Cllr Gallagher has consistently opposed the move and has raised concerns about the potential impact on local jobs, services and the wider community.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in our fight for Ballyhaunis, and it’s crucial that An Post listens to our concerns,” Cllr Gallagher said.
Cllr Gallagher thanked Anne Cunnane of the Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce for her role in mobilising both the petition and community support against the proposed amalgamation.
Senator Mark Duffy has also been working closely with Cllr Gallagher in opposing the move.
“Together, we stand united in saying no to this amalgamation,” Cllr Gallagher said, as she thanked Mr Harris for his support on the issue.
Cllr Gallagher has previously raised the matter with Minister Patrick O’Donovan and remains determined to ensure the amalgamation does not proceed, while continuing to fight to protect local jobs and businesses in Ballyhaunis.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.