Head of An Post admits there will be a difficult period over the next six months to a year for post offices

comes as postmasters threaten to ballot on a work stoppage next month, if the government does not provide financial support

They are warning the network could collapse without intervention.

CEO of An Post, David Mc Redmond says he hopes the government will respond positively to proposals to help postmasters:

"I think there's a good future. In the longer term, there is a very sticky patch. However, over the next six months or a year, and we've got proposals in with Government. We're in discussions with Government and we're waiting to hear back. And I very much hope that they will bring a good resolution for postmasters and postmistress' is who we support and who we're grateful to."

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