After 135 years of continuous service, the Ballsbridge Post Office in Dublin 4 is set to shut its doors due to escalating operational costs. The announcement was made by postmaster Shane Dunne via an official notice posted within the establishment, citing the realities of mounting expenses related to rent, utilities, rates, and labour. Dunne noted his regret at this outcome, which is set to take effect in November.
Dunne revealed that his decision to close the highly treasured establishment, housed in a structure that has been a post office since 1889, was influenced by a landlord unwilling to negotiate terms. He noted that even if he were permitted to continue operations, the office would have to be run by a solitary staff member due to insufficient remunerations from An Post.
Dunne owns four additional post offices in Dublin and Kildare and pointed out the complex predicament of keeping these entities operational, as skyrocketing costs render them financially unsustainable. This comes despite assistance from the Government aimed at forestalling the failure of the postal network set to expire in 2025.
The postmaster remains hopeful to find a fitting substitute for the office before the 1st of November deadline, despite declaring that no suitable locations are currently on offer.
The edifice, a product of John Howard Pentland’s design back in 1889, holds notable significance. Pentland is renowned for designing Fusiliers’ Arch, gracing the main entrance to St Stephen’s Green at the top of Grafton Street, and the General Post Office (GPO) on O’Connell Street overhaul just ahead of the 1916 Rising.
Elements of the site, including the post office facade, the single-level structure, and the two-storey projected bay, feature on the list of preserved structures. However, the rear part of the building doesn’t enjoy the same status. The property went on sale in 2021, carrying a suggested price tag of €1.5 million.
Former Lord Mayor and Labour Party Council Member Dermot Lacey expressed dismay over the recent closure of a post office, which he claims is just the latest in a series of post office shutdowns in areas 4 and 6 of Dublin. He insinuated that this could have a harmful impact on the local populace. He felt that such closure events receive scant attention from the predominantly Dublin-focused media, in comparison to when a rural post office closes; an event that typically grabs a significant airtime on national radio, he told The Irish Times.
An Post, however, emphasised that while the closure of the historic building is a reality, efforts to find a suitable new location for the post office in the surrounding vicinity are in progress. They confirmed that advertisements for new premises are currently ongoing.
A spokeswoman assured that their dedication to finding an easy-to-access, safe location is paramount, as they aim to continue offering a wide range of An Post Money Financial Services. These services include everyday banking for AIB and Bank of Ireland customers, foreign exchange, and letter/parcel services, as well as social welfare payments.
She also pointed out that it is common for post offices to change location. Post offices in Eastwall and Portmarnock in Dublin, Durrow in Co. Laois, Rathvilley in Co. Carlow, and Borrisoleigh in Co. Tipperary have all relocated within their local territories in recent months.