New figures reveal that two elements of rural Limerick are under threat, namely the local Post Office and the local pub.
The Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) has said the country’s post office network urgently needs an investment of €15 million per year over five years to secure the future of the service.
Without adequate funding, the union has claimed that the future is bleak, and the prospect of rapid, unrestrained closures is an immediate threat.
It claimed that 40% of Post Offices could close unless Government funding for the network is increased from the current annual amount of €10 million.
“The Government can secure the future of Ireland’s post office network with a strategic investment of less than €3 per citizen per year – less than the price of a cup of coffee,” stated IPU President Seán Martin.
He added: “We’re asking for a clear, long-term commitment, not just short-term support.”
Across Co Limerick, there are currently just 43 Post Offices, all bar one of which are operated by a Postmaster. The other is run directly by An Post.
Separately, a study commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) found that 2,100 pubs across the country have closed since 2005.
The highest decrease was in Co Limerick at 37% (138 pubs).
The report’s author, Professor Anthony Foley, said it reveals “a pattern of pub closures across Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland in recent years.”
Mr. Foley said in the absence of Government intervention, “we are likely to see a further 600 to 1,000 pubs close over the coming decade.”
DIGI has called on the Government to cut excise duty by 10% in the Budget.Threat of further
Post Office and pub closures in Co. Limerick
New figures reveal that two elements of rural Limerick are under threat, namely the local Post Office and the local pub.
The Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) has said the country’s post office network urgently needs an investment of €15 million per year over five years to secure the future of the service.
Without adequate funding, the union has claimed that the future is bleak, and the prospect of rapid, unrestrained closures is an immediate threat.
It claimed that 40% of Post Offices could close unless Government funding for the network is increased from the current annual amount of €10 million.
“The Government can secure the future of Ireland’s post office network with a strategic investment of less than €3 per citizen per year – less than the price of a cup of coffee,” stated IPU President Seán Martin.
He added: “We’re asking for a clear, long-term commitment, not just short-term support.”
Across Co Limerick, there are currently just 43 Post Offices, all bar one of which are operated by a Postmaster. The other is run directly by An Post.
Separately, a study commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) found that 2,100 pubs across the country have closed since 2005.
The highest decrease was in Co Limerick at 37% (138 pubs).
The report’s author, Professor Anthony Foley, said it reveals “a pattern of pub closures across Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland in recent years.”
Mr. Foley said in the absence of Government intervention, “we are likely to see a further 600 to 1,000 pubs close over the coming decade.”
DIGI has called on the Government to cut excise duty by 10% in the Budget.