Thirty post offices have been closed by An Post since September 2004, while dozens more have been downgraded, according to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
The information was supplied to Labour Party Kerry South TD Breeda Moynihan-Cronin by Minister of State for Communications John Browne in a written Dáil reply earlier this month.
"The opening, conversion and closure of individual post offices is a matter for the board and management of the company," Mr Browne said.
However, the Government and An Post wants "to maintain the largest, economically sustainable post office network possible, notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post".
"There is a clear recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of this," he told the Labour TD.
Nearly 30 more sub-post offices have been downgraded to postal agents, he revealed. The list here includes Coolaney, Dooagh, Ballanagare, Rann-Na-Feirste, Baltimore, Donamon, Kinsalebeg, Ballintogher, Ryefield, Loughhill, Castleblakeney, Derreens, Neale, Frosses, Tourlestrane, Kilmovee, Stratford-On-Slaney, Ballinamuck, Kildalkey, Emo, Mount Temple, Mageney, Bunnanadden, Milltownpass, Freemount, Reenascrenna, Ross West and Clashmore.
Mr Browne said the resolution of the dispute between Communications Workers' Union employees and An Post management has given all sides the chance "to sign off on the change programme". The Government, he said, believes that An Post will continue to have a key national role, both in mail deliveries and in providing government and financial services.
"As a commercial company, the challenge ahead for An Post is to develop a strategy that satisfies the needs of existing customers. An Post has already had some success in winning new business. A pilot project was recently completed which involved the automation of 10 small post offices," he said.
