The Fine Gael spokesman on public enterprise, Mr Jim Higgins, called on An Post to initiate a low interest scheme, repayable over 10 years, for the modernisation and upgrading of sub-post office premises.

He said he had spoken to sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses, and all of them had indicated they would welcome such a scheme.

"It is a survival plan based on an evaluation of existing national branch network, its staff and potential. It would transform and invigorate the local post office.