Mayo TD Criticizes An Post’s Plan to Relocate North Mayo Mail Collection

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ago 21 hours

Erris-based Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh has voiced strong objections to An Post’s plans for mail collection in North Mayo. The proposal stipulates that postal workers will need to pick up mail from a newly established depot in Ballina.

Mayo TD Criticizes An Post’s Plan to Relocate North Mayo Mail Collection

This change poses significant challenges for the 13 postal workers who serve the vast Erris area. They will now face a daily two-hour, over 100-mile round trip to collect mail before beginning their deliveries. The Erris postal delivery zone is among the largest and most rural in Ireland, encompassing many isolated and coastal communities.

Implications of the Proposal

Extended travel time for postal workers.
Increased risk on busy rural roads.
Negative environmental impact due to additional vehicle emissions.
Disruption to vital community connections, especially for vulnerable populations.

During a meeting with postal staff in Barnatra, Conway-Walsh expressed her concerns. She emphasized that the proposal is “completely unworkable, unsafe, and socially damaging.” In her opinion, it is illogical to require workers to undertake a lengthy journey simply to retrieve the day’s mail.

The Role of Postal Services in Rural Communities

Conway-Walsh underscored the importance of postal workers in maintaining community ties. For many residents—particularly the elderly—interaction with their postal worker represents a vital connection. “Our postal workers are at the heart of our communities,” she noted, highlighting their role in connecting people.

Furthermore, she articulated the consequences of this proposal. The closure of local access points like the Barnatra depot means that crucial mail, including passports and school exam papers, would become less accessible to residents.

Call for Action

Conway-Walsh is urging the postal workers’ union to engage with affected employees and oppose the proposal. She is also calling for An Post to reconsider the plans and for the Minister for the Environment, Climate, and Communications to take immediate action.

In conclusion, the Mayo TD calls for a common-sense approach. She believes that the current plan threatens workers, communities, and the future of rural Ireland.