New research has revealed strong support for post offices, with 80% of respondents seeing them as essential to the community social infrastructure.
Carried out by Red C on behalf of the Irish Postmasters Union, the study found 78% agree their local post office provides them with valuable services they can't easily find elsewhere.
And despite the move towards digitisation, 91% agree the Post Office remains crucial in the digital era.
While post offices have more recently been used by older people, buying stamps and collecting social welfare, the research found support is strong for them among young people.
82% of those aged 18-34 said their community would be worse off without a post office.
"In rural and urban areas alike, people rely on their local post office for banking, social welfare, bill payments, and other services that aren’t easily accessible online," said Ned O’Hara, General Secretary of the Irish Postmasters’ Union.
"As businesses move to digital platforms, the post office remains one of the few places providing face-to-face, trusted services."
The Government has put a three-year funding package in place to ensure the post office network remains strong.
But the IPU says a longer-term solution is required.
"The Government’s three-year support package has been a lifeline, but it is just that – a short-term fix," said Mr O’Hara.
"Communities need certainty and a commitment to long-term investment that recognises the value of post offices to social inclusion and local economies."
