Local group loses out as old post office is sold
Mayo Co Council has declined to say whether it was asked to seek a community use for the former post office building on Bridge Street which was sold recently.
In response to a query from the , a spokesperson for An Post said the company has a protocol of reaching out to communities through the local authority to see if there is potential interest in using old post offices for the benefit of the community before the building is put on the market.
A government-funded local charity that bid unsuccessfully for the Ballyhaunis building told this column it had no contact from either the local authority or An Post.
In a document outlining what An Post calls its Responsible Divestment Protocol, the company commits itself to “proactive engagement with appropriate interested parties to explore viable uses before releasing properties to the open market". Likewise, it commits to a “comprehensive assessment of the unique role each building plays within its location, including consideration of a wide range of uses that could enhance local amenities".
An Post spokesperson Angus Laverty told the : “In general, the [Responsible Divestment] process involves contact with local authorities and other key local stakeholders.”
Mr Laverty said: “My understanding is that at least one local group did become involved in the bidding process. The engagement process sets out An Post’s openness to dealing with any group or body who might have an interest in a property.”
The Ballyhaunis-based charity said that it had been told by the Dublin-based estate agency acting for An Post that the company would look favourably on bids from nonprofits or community groups but had no further communication from the estate agent or An Post before the property was announced as sold. Several requests for comment to Mayo Co Council went unanswered.
In its Responsible Divestment Protocol, An Post said: "[We] recognise the intrinsic value of our properties where their potential can also serve as catalysts for local development. The Protocol serves as a pledge to the future of local communities while ensuring an open and transparent approach to divestment.”
The document details the conversion of the old Clones post office into an arts space after it was bought by Monaghan Co Council while the Blackrock post office was converted into a restaurant.
An Post states the Responsible Divestment Protocol “provides us with the opportunity to think creatively about the potential future uses of properties", adding: "By identifying and realising the most beneficial uses for buildings in the next phase of their life cycle, we can ensure optimal outcomes for local communities and An Post.”
An Post has sold former post office buildings across the country while investing in modern local distribution centres for the growing e-commerce parcels business.
