Some €75 million in State funding to support the sustainability of the post office network has been approved by the Government.
An enhanced €15 million in funding will be allocated each year over the next five years to support the network, which stakeholders warned last year was at risk of a significant number of closures.
In June 2025, the Irish Postmasters’ Union warned of potential widespread closures should the amount not be increased from the previous yearly allocation of €10 million.
Seán Martin, president of the Irish Postmasters’ Union, told an Oireachtas committee that up to 400 post offices throughout the country were at risk of closing without additional funding.
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The increased funding was announced in Budget 2026 but was subject to Cabinet approval, which was secured by Minister for Communications Patrick O’Donovan on Tuesday.
Minister of State Seán Canney welcomed the approval, saying funding allocations will be based on “clear and transparent criteria” including geographic isolation, sustainability, and access to essential services.
“The model is designed to prioritise rural, remote and strategically important post offices, while maintaining stability across the wider network and ensuring no community is left behind,” he said.
Mr Canney said the increased funding comes amid “significant cost pressures” facing the network in recent years, such as rising operating costs, declining transaction volumes, and the impact of digitalisation on traditional services.
“Post offices are a cornerstone of communities across Ireland, especially in rural and isolated areas.
“This funding provides much-needed certainty for postmasters and helps ensure that people can continue to access key services locally,” he said.
