Community backs fight to retain post office

Sean McMahon

Scores of concerned local people flocked into the community centre in Killeshandra to voice their support for the retention of a Post Office facility in the town, in the wake of the news that the present Post Office is set to close in a matter of weeks.
Public representatives came in for scathing criticism for their perceived inaction on the issue of the closure of the post office, which is due on Wednesday October 31. 
Eamon Sexton, who is driving the retention campaign in unison with an action committee, revealed that they are to appeal the decision. A comprehensive case is in the process of being prepared for that appeal, which will be carried out by two independent assessors.
The Head of Contractors and Retail Support with An Post in a letter to Eamon Sexton said “An Post will have regard to the Assessors recommendations”.
Everyone attending the meeting on Monday evening signed a petition calling for the retention of a Post Office facility in the town and this will be used as part appeal application. 
Eamon Sexton said that meaningful written support from public representatives would also be beneficial.
“The silence of the Minister is deafening and of course it is no accident that this closure issue is happening when the Dáil is in recess,” said a strident Mr Sexton.
Speakers from the floor pointed out that post offices are sub-vented with substantial funding in Britain, and they wondered why that was not being done here. Glowing tributes were paid by members of the audience, and the public representatives to Lil Fleming, the post mistress and her staff for their brilliant service over the years. 
Mr Sexton said “her contribution and that of her staff has been exemplary over the years and we thank her for that”.
Calls were also made for the business people in the town to support the retention of the post office. It was noted that once the bank left, a lot of business left also.
At the outset of the meeting Eamon Sexton gave a detailed outline of how this decision would affect the town, insisting it was not an option to allow the last remaining financial based institution leave. He also noted the budget for Post Offices had been reduced by 20% in the past year.
“Where were the voices when that 20% reduction was being proposed last year and what did any thinking person think the outcome would be, if you actually reduce a budget by 20% or more for a business that is already struggling?
“But maybe there is a serious question to ask rural TDs – if the An Post Office budget was reduced by 20% last year, what did they think the outcome would be?”
Mr Sexton blamed "our legislators and rural TDs" nationally for the current and proposed Post Office closures, which he noted is happening on this Government's watch.
“Minister Heather Humphreys is an influential person – she is in Government – she is a Minister and the closing is happening on this Government's watch. It is as big an issue as the Dart, Bus Eireann, affecting rural towns and tourism. 
The words of John Healey comes to mind – nobody shouted stop.”
Minister Humphreys, who has a different portfolio, that of Business, Enterprise and Innovation however wasn't present to defend herself; she had sent her apologies due to a prior commitment. However, public representatives from all political shades were, including Deputy Martin Kenny, Senator Joe O'Reilly and the Chairperson of the County Council Madeleine Argue together with Councillors, Peter McVitty, Sean Smith, John Paul Feeley and Damien Brady. Countering Mr Sexton's assertions, the politicians each outlined the representations they had made against the closures and restated their support for the campaign in Killeshandra. 
Deputy Brendan Smith sent his apologies in regard to not being able to be there and had been in touch with Eamon Sexton about actions he has already taken in regard to the issue including writing to An Post and promised further action.
All the public representatives present addressed the meeting and pledged to all in their power to lobby for the retention of the Post Office facility in the town.