An Post must act urgently to protect Christmas deliveries – Murphy

An Post may struggle to accommodate the sudden influx of new customers following the closure of a major delivery firm during the busiest and most important time of the year, the Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport has said.

Deputy Michael Murphy said he is very concerned as An Post’s Christmas peak operations and staffing plans were finalised months ago based on expected record volumes from existing customers.

However, the unexpected collapse of a major delivery operator, Fastway, means thousands of households and businesses may now be depending on An Post at short notice.

With Christmas fast approaching, Deputy Murphy said “it is essential that An Post takes every feasible step to expand capacity and ensure that the magic of the season is not disrupted for families across Ireland.”

Deputy Murphy emphasised that Christmas deliveries are not simply commercial transactions.

“They are letters to loved ones, gifts to children, support packages for vulnerable people, and the small but vital connections that make the festive season special. Delays or service gaps would be felt in homes all over the country.

“A clear and urgent plan is now needed from An Post to manage this additional volume, protect reliability in the coming weeks, and maintain public confidence at a time when households rely heavily on the postal service.

“The children of Ireland can’t be let down,” he added.

The Transport Committee Chair said Minister Darragh O’Brien, who has oversight with An Post, should be kept fully briefed by the postal service ahead of a busy December.

“Every effort must be made to ensure that Santa’s helpers in the postal system have the resources they need to get every parcel, card and Christmas surprise to the right home in time,” concluded Deputy Murphy.