Introducing mobile post offices would spell the death of communities across the country rural TDs have warned writes Elaine Loughlin.

A group of rural TDs believe hundreds of post offices will close if they are not allowed to provide additional services such as banking and the issuing of driving licences.

The government will accept the motion being put forward by rural TDs technical group which aims to safeguard the network of around 1,150 offices across the country.

The group is giving the Government three months to implement a new action plan and want a model of community banking – similar to New Zealand – introduced which they believe could draw 1million customers to post offices in the coming years.

Cork South West TD Michael Collins said he was very worried about details of a leaked report which recommends mobile offices be introduced.

“That will lead to the demise of rural post offices, so we are totally opposed to that,” he said.

Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae said post offices are not looking for hand outs but instead are looking for a way to keep their doors open.

“We want to ensure that in 10 years time and 20 years time that we will have the same amount of post offices that we have now.

“Right now if we do nothing we will loose 300 to 400 post offices over the next two to three years.

He added: “This is rural Ireland fighting back and also urban Ireland because there are post offices in urban Ireland that are also under threat.

Mr Healy-Rae added: “We will fight for them all and work to save as many as possible.”

Tipperary Independent Mattie McGrath said post offices offer a connectivity in communities and said postmasters “know the people and that is the difference”.

The motion which will come before the Dáil this evening will also call on the Government establish a working group to identify the potential for local post offices to act as hubs to facilitate other services and to act as a one-stop-shop for Government services.