POST OFFICES are geared to take over motor tax services from local authorities – a move which could help to deliver the savings set out in the Croke Park agreement, the Irish Postmasters’ Union said ahead of its 2011 annual conference starting today in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
Union general secretary Brian McGann said that the post offices could deliver additional public services – such as motor tax renewal – through its network, thereby helping Government departments and local authorities to save on staff and infrastructure costs.
Mr McGann said an estimated 60 per cent of people still renew their vehicle by sending the documents through the post or by going to motor tax offices in person.
This service forced local authorities across the country to provide counter services as well as back-office functions.
He said: “Post offices could provide the equivalent of the online motor tax renewal services and local post offices can become the motor tax office for those who either don’t have a personal computer or don’t want to renew online.
“The country’s network of 1,100 local post offices is the largest retail network in the country. We are well placed to provide face-to-face customer services. We are accessible, friendly and open for business 5½ days a week,” Mr McGann said.
“It makes sense to use one network for the delivery of services rather than have each department and local authority provide similar network services. This can help reduce public services costs without hitting standards or accessibility,” he said.