Cloyne Post Office is to close next week with services transferring to Midleton

Cloyne Post Office is to close its doors next week due to the retirement of the current Postmaster and a lack of interest in the position from the local community according to An Post.

All postal services and social welfare payments will transfer to Midleton Post Office from next Wednesday, July 31.

A spokesperson for An Post told The Echo that they advertised the vacant contract to provide Post Office services in Cloyne on three separate occasions and there were no applications from potential contractors.

“An Post was left without any option but the closure of the office and the transfer of services to Midleton,” the spokesperson said.

They said post office services will be available at Midleton Post Office, more than 8kms away, and Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) customer payments will also be transferred to Midleton.

“DEASP customers who wish to use an alternative Post Office can do so by making an application to the relevant DEASP Scheme Office.” 

However, Castlemartyr Councillor Michael Hegarty has accused An Post of “not engaging in a meaningful way” with potential candidates expressing interest in the Cloyne Postmaster position.

“Cloyne has a population of 2,000 and a catchment area of another 500, many of these people do not have transport of their own and rely on public transport, taxis and hackneys.

“I don’t think An Post have thought this through from a business point of view,” Mr Hegarty said.

The Castlemartyr councillor said that the local community and business entities are very anxious to keep the amenity in the area.

“There are a number of suitable premises for the facility in Cloyne and I think it should be looked at again.” Mr Hegarty said that the commercial viability of the Cloyne Post Office was strong.

“There is a good living to be made because of the footfall that exists. I think one to two people could be full time employed in the Cloyne Post Office.”