An Post offers "alternative solution" for Kinnitty post office

Offaly TD Carol Nolan said this evening (Wednesday) that An Post has offered "an alternative solution" to the threatened closure of the post office in Kinnitty.

She said the proposed solution involves offering "Kinnitty and the surrounding locality what is known as a Post Point Retailer Service... where local people will be able to purchase stamps, avail of mail and parcel drop off, bill payment and mobile top up services".

Deputy Nolan outlined the details in a statement which she issued ahead of a planned meeting about the issue in Kinnitty Community Centre at 7.30pm this evening

She said An Post's engagement in relation to the matter was welcome, but that her preference would be to have a standalone post office in the village.

"I am informed by An Post that local retailers will be offered the possibility of providing some post office services, but as I see it this is not really a long term solution," Deputy Nolan said.

"What happens if the retailer who takes up the service is forced to close? Then we are back at square one with the post office services hopping from one location to another with all the set-up and establishment time that this would involve.

"I accept that we are trying to find solutions but to my mind the need for a dedicated post office in the village remains the preferred option," the TD concluded.