Enhanced funding of €15 million per annum to support a sustainable nationwide Post Office network
- Published on: 14 January 2026
- Last updated on: 14 January 2026
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, today announced a funding package of €15 million per annum over a 5-year fixed period (2026-2030) to support a sustainable, nationwide post office network.
In line with the Programme for Government, the funding will support the stability and sustainability of the nationwide network of post offices, protecting and nurturing a commercially-focused Post Office Network and supporting access for citizens to the key social benefits of the network, helping citizens to access services effectively and equitably.
Minister O’Donovan, said:
“The local Post Office has played, and always will play, an integral role to both society as a whole and to Government, through the provision of high-quality public services in towns, villages and cities right across the country. This funding will secure the sustainable future of the network throughout the term of this Government, ensuring all citizens have effective and efficient access to the services and products provided through the network.”
Minister McConalogue, said:
“The Post Office network reaches all parts of the country, and particularly in rural Ireland, the local Post Office is a landmark and an institution in itself. This funding recognises the special role of the postmaster in this institution, with all postmaster-led offices benefitting from the funding. The new model, building on the previous Government scheme, also recognises the cultural and geographic importance of post offices, and ensures no community will be left behind.”
Government also agreed today the principles on which the funding model will operate, namely:
- maintaining network access across urban and rural Ireland, ensuring no community is left behind and equal access regardless of geography;
- aligning funding with criteria including the degree of isolation and the sustainability of each post office;
- ensuring a minimum revenue threshold for post offices; and
- recognising offices of cultural or geographic significance—such as those on inhabited islands or in Gaeltacht areas.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. It has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and for the post office network. Postmasters are independent business owners contracted by An Post to run post offices across Ireland. Most post offices are operated by independent postmasters. Postmasters are not State employees, nor are they employees of An Post and, as such, they are not paid a fixed salary. Their income is largely derived on a fee per transaction basis.
An Post provides important services to its customers and key government services to citizens. The government is committed to working with An Post and postmasters to ensure that the network continues to play a strong role in delivering State services.
Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983
This funding scheme will require an amendment to the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, and Government has also approved for legislation to that effect to be drafted.