Postal fees to increase from July

Increase ‘necessary to stem unsustainable financial losses,’ An Post says

Postage fees are to increase from July in order to stem unsustainable financial losses at An Post, the company announced on Friday.

In a statement, An Post said that following a review of pricing, rates for postal services will increase from July 1st.

The standard domestic letter rate for items up to 100g within Ireland will increase from 68c to 70c while the standard international letter rate up to 100g will increase from €1.00 to €1.05.

“In conjunction with An Post’s ongoing cost reduction and product innovation initiatives, the increase is necessary to stem the unsustainable financial losses arising from the company’s Universal Service Obligation – losses totalled €38m in 2014 – whereby customers in all areas of the country are provided with daily collection and delivery services for a uniform tariff,” said the statement.

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“Despite the increase, An Post’s rates will remain among the lowest in the EU 15 countries including Britain, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, and well below the EU domestic average of 77c.

“A wide range of discount options continue to be available to businesses. The existing meter rate for standard post letters will remain unchanged at €0.66 per item and a wide range of significant discount options continue for Ceadúnas licence and bulk-mail services.

“An Post continues to offer excellent value for money to Irish businesses of all sizes and to personal customers,” it added.

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson is an Irish Times reporter