Worries soar as 140-year-old Waterford post office faces closure

The closure of the Ring Post Office in Waterford, which has served the local community for 140 years, has ignited worries from locals.

The issue gained prominence after being discussed on Lunchtime Live with Andrea Gilligan on Newstalk, raising concerns about the impact on the area.

Máire Breathnach, the current postmistress in Ring, expressed her apprehensions regarding the closure. At 74 years old and on the cusp of retirement by the end of April, she fears the community may unjustly hold her accountable for the loss of their essential service. "I always thought one of my children might do it, but it wouldn’t be viable. They wouldn’t afford to raise a family with the new contracts," she lamented.

The closure of the Ring Post Office would leave residents without a nearby alternative, with the nearest facility located 10 kilometers away in Dungarvan. Máire revealed the lack of support from both the government and An Post, citing inadequate contracts that make running the office financially unviable. "There is not support from Government or An Post and the contracts aren’t good enough to run an office, and with insecurity and you’re working 5 and a half days a week for probably less than minimum wage. 

"They should be offering better contracts in my opinion," she urged.

Highlighting the historical significance of the post office to the community, Máire relayed its role spanning three generations. "It's a big part of the community. I have my customers asking me what they’re going to do," she said.

Councillor Michael Sheahan, who has been actively campaigning to prevent the closure of the New Ross Post Office, echoed similar sentiments. He agreed that post offices are not just commercial entities but crucial social, economic, and community services. "We’ve had a post office in New Ross for 120 years, and the current post office is a beautiful heritage building in the middle of the town," he stated, underscoring its significance beyond mere convenience.

The closure of rural post offices like those in Ring and New Ross is not just a local issue but a matter of national concern, affecting both rural and urban communities.

Cllr Sheahan stressed that the closure would impact the approximately 5,000 people who rely on amenity: "It is key to the 5,000 people who use the post office in New Ross every week. It’s an opportunity for people who maybe don’t meet others any other time."