The Commission for Communication Regulation, ComReg, has agreed in principle to An Post's application for price increases, including a rise in the price of a basic stamp from 41 cent to 48 cent.
But final approval has been delayed as ComReg says discount schemes proposed by An Post, mainly for large business customers, will not be of enough benefit to small and medium-sized organisations.
ComReg says the new prices will be in place by the end of August if An Post provides a satisfactory response.
The regulator also said that the company needed to focus on improving efficiency and the quality of its service.
ComReg said an increase is 'unavoidable' given An Post's financial outlook. The company reported losses of €70m for last year.
