Wicklow councillors step up to call for more Government support for post offices

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Wicklow County Council is urging the Government to provide additional support for the Irish post office network.

The call comes following the October monthly meeting of Wicklow County Council, where independent councillors Stephen Stokes, Jason Mulhall and Miriam Murphy successfully brought forward a motion which emphasised the central role of post offices in Irish life, describing them as “trusted community hubs that keep money circulating locally, deliver vital Government services, and provide essential access for people of all ages”.

The motion, which was passed unanimously by the council, calls on the Government to increase their funding from €10 million per year, to €15 million per year, over a five-year period. The appeal reflects the findings of a recent Grant Thornton report, which concluded that increased funding is essential if the post office network is to remain sustainable.

Cllr Stokes highlighted how vital post offices are for older people who rely on personal services, and for families and small businesses who need local access to secure financial and communication services.

“The Grant Thornton Report is crystal clear – the current funding model is insufficient. We are calling on the Government to act now, not later, to protect this invaluable network.”

Cllr Mulhall warned about the impact a lack of funding would have on the sector.

“If we allow them to wither, we will see increased social isolation, especially in rural areas, and a loss of trust in how essential services are delivered.

“ The additional €5 million annually is a modest but necessary step to safeguard the future of the network.”

Meanwhile Cllr Murphy underlined the social value of protecting post offices.

“They are part of the fabric of our communities, places where neighbours meet and where people can rely on a friendly face. The Government needs to step up and secure their future.”

Cllr Murphy further noted the importance of post offices in rural areas.

“These facilities are much more than centres that provide services, they are places where people can met weekly.

“It is a hub where the community knows that if someone has not been in to the post office, they will raise a concern.”

Ahead of budget 2026, the Irish Postmasters’ Union were vocal about the need for more support. “Independent analysis shows the post office network delivers up to €776 million in social and economic value annually, yet without a modest investment of €15 million per year, closures will accelerate, depriving communities and the State of an essential service.”

Cllrs Murphy, Mulhall and Stokes believe that decisive action is now needed.

The motion raised during the council’s monthly meeting will now be sent to Minister Charlie McConalogue, who has responsibility for postal policy and Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe.