First they came for our Freddos, and we said nothing…
The price of stamps in Ireland may be about to increase over the next month.
According to The Irish Times, An Post are facing cash flow difficulties and unless they increase the cost of stamps, they will be unable to foot their wage bill for April.
Last year, the company warned that their ability to provide a national postal service was under threat due to their worsening financial situation.
A number of factors have contributed to their current financial dilemma including a Labour Court ruling which saw staff get a 2.3% wage rise which cost the company in excess of €11 million to implement.
An Post is a semi-state company and the second in the last number of weeks to reach crisis point with Bus Eireann stating it needs a radical overhaul if it wishes to remain in business next year.
Rumours have also been circulating in recent days about the possible closure of up to 80 rural post offices.
Speaking on the possible closures, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Regional Development and Rural Affairs Peadar Tóibín TD said: “Our post office network is a vital piece of infrastructure throughout Ireland, particularly in those rural areas which are most isolated. It offers a practical and social service to our regions, often acting as a community hub.”
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