The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, today announced a funding package of €15 million per annum over a 5-year fixed period (2026-2030) to support a sustainable, nationwide Post Office Network.
In line with the Programme for Government, the funding will support the stability and sustainability of the nationwide network of Post Offices, protecting and nurturing a commercially-focused Post Office Network and supporting access for citizens to the key social benefits of the Network, helping citizens to access services effectively and equitably.
Minister O’Donovan said: “The local Post Office has played, and always will play, an integral role to both society as a whole and to Government, through the provision of high-quality public services in towns, villages and cities right across the country. This funding will secure the sustainable future of the network throughout the term of this Government, ensuring all citizens have effective and efficient access to the services and products provided through the Network.”
Minister McConalogue said: “The Post Office Network reaches all parts of the country, and particularly in rural Ireland, the local Post Office is a landmark and an institution in itself. This funding recognises the special role of the Postmaster in this institution, with all Postmaster-led offices benefitting from the funding. The new model, building on the previous Government scheme, also recognises the cultural and geographic importance of Post Offices, and ensures no community will be left behind.”
Government also agreed today the principles on which the funding model will operate, namely:
- Maintaining Network access across urban and rural Ireland, ensuring no community is left behind and equal access regardless of geography
- Aligning funding with criteria including the degree of isolation and the sustainability of each Post Office
- Ensuring a minimum revenue threshold for Post Offices
- Recognising offices of cultural or geographic significance — such as those on inhabited islands or in Gaeltacht areas