DUNGARVAN
OBSERVER Vol. 103
Friday, 20th February, 2015
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Post Office ‘in the market’ for central location AN Post has confirmed that it is “in the market” for a new, more central location for its Dungarvan Post Office following a change of business model, writes Paul Mooney.
Muiri K Boutique O'Connell St Dungarvan
Garda warning over bogus callers page 2
Meter installing to begin locally page 4
IDA considers renovation of MRF page 7 07
There has been speculation around the town in recent weeks that the Post Office will be moving from its current location at Bridge Street / T. F. Meagher Street to a new premises in Grattan Square. According to a spokesperson at An Post, outgoing Branch Manager at Dungarvan Post Office, Joe O’Riordan has been appointed as Postmaster, following a change in the business model, from an ‘An Post-run’ office to a ‘contractor-run’ office. “The change in business model of Dungarvan's Post Office at Bridge Street does not in any way change the range or extent of the services offered by An Post,” said the An Post spokesperson, speaking to the Dungarvan Observer. “We remain committed to providing Dungarvan with the highest level of services for the future.” The spokesperson said the change in business
model to a contractor-run Post Office “does not impact on the level or variety of services which are available to customers of that location”. “Continuation of service is of key importance to An Post. All services available before the change remain available after the change. We continue to provide a top class service,” assured the spokesperson. In relation to the speculation that the Post Office will be moving, the spokesperson confirmed that their future plans include a new, more central location for Dungarvan’s Post Office, and An Post are “in the market” for a new location. However, he did not comment further on speculation that the Post Office may be moving to the building which was formerly the ‘Hamish Hawkin’ shop at 16 Grattan Square, Dungarvan, which is, coincidently, the original site of the Post Office, and ceased being used as a Post Office in 1975. The spokesperson pointed out that of the 1,140 Post Offices nationwide, just over 50 are operated by An Post, with the rest being contractor-run
offices. “It is important to note that the contractor model has provided the bulk of post office services throughout the history of An Post,” the spokesperson continued.“Currently more than 94% of post offices are operated by contractors rather than company staff. “An Post’s strategy has been to increase the number and range of services available to customers and in Post Offices. “As well as continuing to grow existing businesses such as state savings and bill payments we have seen the introduction and growth of banking services, gift vouchers, postfone and foreign currency cash and cards,” said the spokesperson. “We intend to continue introducing new services. This will ensure that we continue to be in a viable position to provide post office services on a nationwide basis and ensure that we remain relevant in an ever changing Ireland.” The spokesperson added that other Post Offices currently in conversions, along with Dungarvan, include Car r ick-on-Shannon; Loughrea; Skibbereen; Listowel; and Athy.
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GARDAÍ are investigating a fire which was started in suspicious circumstances at a Dungarvan fast food outlet over the weekend. County Waterford Fire Services were called to a fire at ‘Dungarvan Kebabish’ on O’Connell Street, Dungarvan, just after 10.00 a.m. last Sunday morning. It is understood that two suspects broke into the fast food outlet in the early hours of Sunday morning before the fire began. The fire was brought under control
and one male who was found with injuries on the premises was brought to Waterford University Hospital. O’Connell Street was completely closed off for several hours while the emergency services dealt with the fire. Gardaí later arrested two males in connection with the incident, and detained them under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. They were both released without charge and a file is being submitted to the DPP. [Photograph: Rory Wyley]