Fianna Fáil’s Communications Spokesperson, Timmy Dooley has hit out at Minister Denis Naughten for failing to deliver on commitments to secure the future of a vibrant post office network.
Dooley says the Government has “dragged its heels on announcing a sustainable plan for the future of the post office network”. He hit out at Fine Gael’s Programme for Government which was intended to act on the recommendations of the Post Office Business Development Group.
“The question needs to be asked: was this just talk and if not, where are the plans now?” the Clare TD stated. “The Post Office Network Renewal Working Group was established to ‘Develop a Five Year Strategy for the Network’, but from what I can see, the Government has not engaged in any meaningful way with them.”
He added“A lot of time has been spent on establishing working groups and taskforces, but what’s needed now is action plan with clear targets that can be measured.” Minister Naughton must immediately update the Dáil with a timetable on actions to safeguard the post office network and steps to progress the current renewal process,” added Dooley.
Deputy Dooley revealed that he will be raising this issue at every opportunity. “Post offices play an important role within communities. The Government must bring forward a plan for their future without any further delay. Putting this issue on the long finger just isn’t good enough,” he concluded.