BY NUALA MCALOON
Following months of customer inconvenience and a public protest concerning its closure, Derrygonnelly Post Office is set to re-open for business on Tuesday, 18 March at 9.00am.
The branch is to be located at new premises at Costcutter Supermarket on the Main Street.
Pensioner Molly Cassidy, one of those who fought hard to retain the service in the village said she was delighted with the news.
"I am delighted because I couldn't cope with the walk to the Rural Rover bus to go into Enniskillen, so I had to take the car and drive into Costcutter in Enniskillen.
This will be a big thing for the people of Derrygonnelly, particularly pensioners.
"It will also help the shops because a lot of people going in on the bus would have done their shopping in Enniskillen when they were there."
Post Office Ltd had apologised to customers in the area for the sudden and lengthy closure of the branch since 27th July last year due to the resignation of the previous subpostmaster.
"We have been working hard," said a spokesperson, "since then to appoint a new agent to run the branch, and would like to acknowledge the support given by local politicians in helping us to restore the service."
Following the closure, a protest was organised in the village last August. The protesters were met by Eugene McMahon, Rural Network Manager, Post Office Ltd and supported by Alex Baird, chairman of Fermanagh District Council.
After 60 years of service in the village, the community and pensioners in particular, came out in force to make a stand and let their voices be heard.
Mrs Cassidy, a driving campaigner in the fight for a Post Office to remain a focal part of the village, had blamed the Post Office for doing nothing to keep a service up and running, and as a result for leaving customers, particularly pensioners, stranded. In the interim, Rural Rover had been running a service from Derrygonnelly into Enniskillen so people could carry out their Post Office business there.
Councillor Baird, who has been instrumental in assisting the Post Office in finding a new agent, said a post office was an integral part of any community, particularly in rural areas.
"I am delighted that the people of Derrygonnelly will soon have this vital service re-established.
"I have been working closely with the local community and the Post Office to help restore this service to the village and would now encourage the people of Derrygonnelly to use the branch to secure its future."
The new branch will offer customers the full range of Post Office® products and services with the following opening hours:- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 5.30pm. Wednesday and Saturday: 9.00am - 12.30pm
"The Post Office spokesperson thanked everyone for their patience during the closure and gave a warm welcome to the new agent. "I am sure the community will give Derrygonnelly Post Office its support as it opens its doors to old and new customers".
