Senator Tony Mulcahy

Contract extension for Cratloe Post Office

Clare Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy says he has received confirmation from An Post that Cratloe Post Office is to remain open for at least another 18 months.

Senator Mulcahy said the contract for the operation of the Post Office, which was due to end this month, has been extended until September 2016.

The Shannon-based Senator said An Post's decision is a credit to the work of the local community and the Cratloe Post Office Action Group which have "campaigned vigorously" against the closure during recent months."

He described the extension of the Post Office contract as "a victory for community action."

"I attended a number of meetings in Cratloe and at the GPO in Dublin at which the people of Cratloe outlined the many reasons why the Post Office should remain open and how its closure would potentially impact the village and surrounding areas. This community approach worked and has served to convince An Post that its plan to not renew the Post Office operating contract was premature," said Senator Mulcahy.

"Specific credit must go to Josefa McGelligott of the Cratloe Post Office Action Group who took a stand on this issue and helped to reverse a decision I am convinced would have negatively impacted the lives of local people. An Post's decision is a victory for them and their community. I also wish to acknowledge Aonghus O'Lafferty of An Post for giving the local community the opportunity to raise their concerns, as well as Cathaoirleach John Crowe, Cllr. PJ Ryan, other local Elected Members and my Oireachtas colleagues for their support for retaining this vital community service," added Senator Mulcahy