Government provides €15 million package to save Post Offices - Leitrim/Sligo Minister

Sligo/Leitrim Minister Marian Harkin has welcomed the government's decision to provide €15 million per annum in direct funding to the Post Office network, calling it "significant support to protect a key rural service and enhance the value Post Offices deliver for local communities."

With many Post Offices facing closure due to mounting economic pressures, Minister Harkin says this funding delivers on a crucial Programme for Government commitment to ensure the future sustainability of Post Offices nationwide. “This funding is a vital lifeline for our Post Office network. Post Offices are more than just places to send a letter—they are central to the daily life of rural communities and provide essential services that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Postmasters help secure the postal network while also delivering essential services including banking and the distribution of social welfare payments. Just as importantly, Post Offices serve as the heartbeat of rural towns and villages, where people gather, conduct business, and maintain vital social connections.

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Without this local infrastructure, many people—particularly the elderly and other vulnerable members of our communities—are being left isolated and forced to travel further and further to access essential amenities. Minister Harkin says this funding is a vital investment in keeping rural Ireland connected and vibrant. “Investing in our Post Offices is investing in rural Ireland itself. It ensures that people can access vital services close to home and helps keep our towns and villages alive and thriving.”

Independents supporting the Government will continue to engage with their coalition partners on issues facing the Post Office network and will work to deliver measures that enhance rural and regional services.