Breakthrough reached to save Post Office in Laois town

An agreement has been reached to maintain post office services in Durrow after a local shop owner has agreed to take up the An Post licence in the south Laois town.

An Post have also confirmed that the services will not now cease on March 8 as it had earlier stated. 

Cllr Ollie Clooney, Independent, confirmed that discussions held locally and with An Post have led to a successful agreement which paves the way for the service to be relocated to the local Kenna's Daybreak shop..

The Laois County Councillor told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that some alterations are required within the new home and the postal service would recommence operations from its there within a month. In the meantime, Cllr Clooney said the service would continue to operate from the existing premises on Chapel St.

Tommy Kenna confirmed that the Post Office would transfer to his shop as soon as possible.

An Post confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live the existing service will not close as expected on Friday, March 8.

The company has previously said that had no alternative but to cease Post Office services in Durrow as there were no applications for the post master positions.

Laois Offaly Fine Gael TD Charlie Flangan led Laois TDs in welcoming the breakthrough.

Minister of State Seáin Fleming was very pleased

"I want to thank all involved who have ensured that the existing Post Office will remain open until it is ready to move to the new premises in Durrow in Daybreak.

"It is good news for everybody in Durrow and all of those in the surrounding areas who use the Post Office. A local Post Office is a vital service for Durrow and all communities.

"I look forward to the new premises being available as soon as possible and I wish the new Post Office every good wish into the future," he said.

The Fianna Fáil TD thanked all involved in the existing Post Office for their service over many years.

Local Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley said he had been in contact with An Post over the past year regarding the retention of the Post Office.

"I have emphasised to An Post the importance of the Post Office in Durrow, given the growing population and the fact that both Attanagh and Ballacolla have lost their Post Offices in recent years,’’ he said.