An Post’s presence, with a Post Office in every community over 500 people, was strengthened by a landmark deal between Government and Postmasters, recognising how vital a service An Post provides. Agency banking “Your bank is in your Post Office” is the most obvious commitment to rural Ireland, as of our 911 Post Offices over 400 are located in communities with no bank.

The delivery service, which did so much during the pandemic to keep Ireland trading, is also a vital link for every household and business with the world. It is possible to live anywhere in Ireland and have the same access to goods as in central London or New York. It remains therefore a massive challenge for An Post to achieve its target of 50% emissions’ reduction from our own operations by end-2025, and net-zero by end-2030.
The development of new technology, greater use of digital data, and a drive for efficiency will be the focus to achieve our emissions’ target. The Circular Economy is a particularly tough challenge as we work with supply chains to minimise the negative impacts on sustainability of the e-commerce industry.

So this report is essential: it outlines clearly our commitments, and is an honest appraisal of the things we’ve done. It enumerates and details An Post living to its purpose to “act for the common good, now, and for generations to come”.