An Post could face prosecution following its failure to deliver mail earlier this week to rural areas in Co Mayo.
No post was delivered to 125 homes in the Ballynew area of Castlebar on Wednesday, while on Monday last, about 130 homes in the Glenisland area were without a mail delivery.
The Communications Workers Union says the reason for these, and other delivery failures throughout the country, is due to a staff shortage because of the recruitment ban in place since 2003. However, An Post claims it needs changes to work practices to provide customers with a high quality mail service.
A Labour Court adjudication is expected shortly on proposals made to the union.
The Consumers Association of Ireland is considering prosecuting An Post under the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, for failure to deliver mail.
Consumers association chairman Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, of Castlebar, says it is not acceptable that people could be several days waiting for mail to be delivered.