This article is from page 9 of the 2008-06-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 9 JPG
AN POST has reassured customers in the Sixmilebridge and Newmar- ket-on-Fergus that the offices there will not close when sorting and de- livery are relocated to a central office uOmey er: beuslOae
An Post has already confirmed plans to move sorting and delivery services to the Central Services Unit (CSU) in Shannon Town, a move to which staff have been opposed. At present, letter and parcel post for Newmarket-on-Fergus and Sixmile- bridge is sorted at the respective post offices and delivered by local staff who will move to Shannon as part of the relocation.
While the move has been deferred on four separate occasions because of staff objections, the matter has been before the Labour Relations Com- mission and is now set to go ahead this year although a final date has not yet been confirmed.
An Post says the change is being made to improve both delivery serv- ice to business and private customers and operational efficiency.
There has been some concern lo- cally about the future of the post of- neeny
While An Post is adamant that the delivery and retail services are sepa-
rate, Sixmilebridge councillor John Crowe (FG) has yet to be convinced that the relocation of sorting services is not the first step in closing his local post office.
“I am very concerned over the planned move. It is another service being taken away from rural Ireland and in our own parish, we have al- ready seen Kilmurry Post Office close. Is Sixmilebridge the next one to be closed?”
He has also expressed concern about whether people, particularly the elderly or those without trans- port, will have to go to Shannon to collect registered post if they are not at home when it is delivered.
At present in many areas, if there is no one to sign for a letter or package when postal staff call, the recipient 1s expected to travel to the nearest sort- ing facility to collect the item.
“What is the position if a person is not at home to accept a parcel or reg- istered letter? Will they have to trav- el to Shannon to collect them? If so, this will have serious consequences especially for the elderly and those without their own transport,’ Coun- cillor Crowe asked.
An Post says that while details have yet to be finalised, they hope people can continue to collect registered mail at their local office.