An investigation is underway after 20 bags of undelivered post which is almost two years old was found in Co. Louth.

An Post says the discovery – which an Irish Mirror story by Elaine Keogh says includes medical appointments, passports, tickets and cards containing cash and gifts – was made recently at a location in the greater Dundalk area.

The circumstances surrounding the find, which is said to total more than 7,000 items found in Dundalk, are subject to an investigation by An Post and the gardaí.

Following an initial examination at the scene, it is reported that nothing had been taken, and the mail has been returned to An Post.

It is now being delivered – together with an explanatory note from the company – which apologises for the inconvenience caused by the delay.

The text of the explanatory note reads: “Dear Customer

“Please find a Standard Post item addressed to you. Regrettably, due to a particular incident within the area, delivery of your item has been significantly delayed.

“Please accept my sincere apologies for any upset and inconvenience caused.

“We are actively investigating the circumstances which led to the unfortunate occurrence and I assure you that the situation is being treated with the seriousness it deserves.”

An Post issued a statement saying it “regrets to confirm that a serious matter has come to light in Dundalk.

“An amount of mail was recently found at a location in the greater Dundalk area and the circumstances of the find are currently subject to an investigation by An Post and the Gardaí.

“Following initial examination at the scene by Gardai, the mail in question was returned to An Post. It is now being delivered, together with an explanatory note which apologises for the inconvenience caused by the delay.

“Given the ongoing investigation, we are not in a position to comment any further at this time.”