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Concerns for Landmark PO Building
29/02/2008
AMID much disappointment over An Post’s decision to sub-contract Clones Post Office, despite huge local opposition, concerns are growing for the fate of the historic building.
Clones Town Councillor Deirdre Kelly has hit out at the handling of the Post Office issue and the response from Minister Eamon Ryan. The council wrote to the minister in January on the proposal of Cllr Kelly asking him to introduce a Public Service Obligation Order with EU authorisation to save Clones Post Office. However, despite several telephone enquiries, no reply was received until last week after the decision was made. The Minister “washed his hands” of the issue according to the Cllr by declaring it a matter for the company.
"People were suspicious that An Post would move ahead with their plans in the meantime and that all would be done and dusted before any reply was received. Unfortunately our suspicions were correct. This is very frustrating for the council, post office workers, customers and townspeople alike,” Cllr Kelly said.
Built in 1903, Clones post office is a listed landmark building strategically located on the Diamond. Many feel this decision will be detrimental to the current regeneration of the town. “A great deal of public money has been invested by the government in Clones at the moment with the library, new schools, the courthouse, the fire station, the sports project and of course the Ulster Canal. The changes that An Post proposes seem to be going against the grain. If the building fell derelict it would be truly shameful." Clones Town Councillor Deirdre Kelly said.
Locals have been assured that the building will continue to be used for sorting but people are skeptical about this, according to Cllr Kelly. “Our concern now is to ensure that the Office of Public Works and An Post liaise with the council on any further developments regarding this building,” Cllr Kelly added.
Comaskey’s Super Valu has been awarded the contract of Clones PO, though no exact transfer date has been provided.
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