An Post 'still exploring options' for restoration of Blueball service

A spokesperson for An Post has indicated that it's still exploring options for the restoration of its services at Tom Doolan's Spar in Blueball, Offaly.

A switch to fibre broadband resulted in the An Post payment service in Blueball ending abruptly at the end of December.

Last week, Offaly TD Tony McCormack said he understood that efforts to have the service restored were heading in the right direction following engagement between An Post and Doolan's.

A spokesperson for An Post, however, emphasised that the issue which caused the cessation of the service has not yet been resolved.

"Doolan’s Spar has been an agent for social welfare payments for a number of years," said the spokesperson.

"The area was recently switched over to fibre broadband and unfortunately this has affected the payment system. We are examining, as a matter of urgency, what might be possible and practicable at Blueball in relation to services.

"As a temporary measure, all benefit payments have been transferred to Tullamore Post Office where a dedicated counter position has been arranged to facilitate the affected customers.

"Customers can also opt to collect benefits at Kilcormac Post Office should they wish, by contacting the Department of Social Protection to make the necessary arrangements."

The spokesperson said An Post wished to apologise to customers in the Blueball area for the inconvenience caused.