Cork TD criticises 'ill-timed' decision to increase stamp prices 

An Post has announced that the price of a stamp will increase by 25c, from €1.40 to €1.65, on February 27 for personal customers, and March 1 for business users.

An Post said the increase is below other European Union countries and the UK benchmark of €1.88 for a next-day letter service.

It also takes in to account wage increases for An Post staff, increased operating costs, and letter volumes, which have declined by 8% in the last 12 months, 40% since 2017, and 50% over the last decade.

Reacting to news of the increase, Ken O’Flynn, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North Central, voiced his opinion on the decision.

“While acknowledging the operational challenges faced by postal services globally, the timing of this price increase, amidst an unprecedented surge in the cost of living and the rising cost of doing business in Ireland, is not only ill-timed, but also deeply insensitive to the realities faced by families and small businesses across the nation.

“At a period marked by escalating inflation, increased utility bills, and mounting pressure on household budgets, the decision to raise postage costs imposes undue hardship on our citizens.”

David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, said: “An Post’s priority is to provide a world-class service for the people and businesses of Ireland. To do this we need to be aligned with global postal trends that see large price increases to compensate for falling volumes due to e-substitution.

“We’ve worked hard to get the economics right on price for postage by introducing smarter work practices and reducing costs.”