Post office funding rise ‘will enhance the value the network brings to Donegal communities’

The increase in funding to the post office network from €10 million in 2025 to €15 million for 2026 will enhance the value the network brings to communities across Donegal, Minister of State Charlie McConalogue has said.

Announcing details of Budget 2026 for the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the minister of state for sport and postal policy said that a new scheme will be developed to disperse the additional funding allocation which will offer significant assistance to aid the sustainability and enhance the value the network brings to local communities.

“Just last month I visited a number of An Post’s centres in Donegal that have been upgraded,” he said.

“It was great to see firsthand how well and efficient the work of the staff is conducted. These custom-built centres provide better working conditions for staff, while adequately meeting the logistical, health and safety, fleet and security requirements of the modern-day delivery business.

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“I recognise the special role that An Post and the post office network play in our lives in both urban areas and rural areas,” Mr McConalogue commented.

“An Post is central to providing invaluable support for some of the most vulnerable in our society through the provision of social welfare payments, free postage to care homes, community focal points, and many other valuable services.

“The current programme for government recognises the need to support Ireland's post office network. I have worked closely with Government colleagues to secure this latest allocation and the increase in funding from €10 million to €15 million in Budget 2026 is a vote of confidence in the network,” he added.