An Post say they can’t find an alternative premises for a Post Office after the Boyne Centre office closes at the end of the month but Drogheda Life can reveal that the proprietor of Eurospar in Bredin Street says he offered to accommodate An Post but was turned down.
The closure comes about after, earlier in the year, the landlord of the Boyne Centre gave notice to quit to all its tenants, including the Post Office, to take effect in early June. It is thought, but not confirmed as yet, that the Boyne Centre is to be bought by the HSE.
In communications with local TD’s, the Public Affairs Manager of An Post, Angus Laverty, said that they have tried to source an alternative premises locally but to no avail.
“We have advertised the vacant contract but as a short term measure must temporarily close the Boyne Centre office on May 31st next and move customers to West Street” he said.
Mr. Laverty said that An Post will continue looking for an alternative office to serve former Boyne centre customers with a view to restoring the service as quickly as possible.
Deputy Ged Nash said: “This is a blow for local residents especially given the fact that the premises is so accessible from a parking point of view for those who may be mobility impaired. I told An Post that I am available to assist them and the Postmaster in the search for an alternative premises.”
“The company says that they are committed to finding a suitable alternative in the area and I am asking local commercial property owners in that area to contact me and I can assist in putting them in touch with An Post.”
Derek Moran, the proprietor of the Eurospar convenience store in Bredin Street, told Drogheda Life tahat was approached some months ago by the postmaster in the Boyne Centre and he offered to install a brand new post office meeting their latest requirements in his store at little or no cost to the taxpayer.
Mr Moran’s offer was declined by An Post however and Deputy Nash said that he suspected that this was because of its proximity to the Post Office in Yellowbatter.
“I know that older people in particular will be inconvenienced by reducing the number of post offices in Drogheda” Mr Moran said. “There will be bigger queues and less parking at the remaining post offices. My business is built on customer care and the people of Drogheda deserve better customer care not reduced care.
