An Post contract

Hundreds of Limerick people are due to benefit after the European Court of Justice ruled in favour of Ireland contracting An Post to issue social welfare payments, according to local Fianna Fáil TD John Cregan.

“The EU Commission took a case against Ireland on the basis that awarding the contract of social welfare distribution to An Post was not in accordance with EU laws. This service is vital to post offices all over the country. An Post has provided a very good service for social welfare customers in the past and will now continue to do so,” Deputy Cregan said.

In 1992, the Government and An Post entered a five-year contract for the delivery of social welfare payments. The contract was renewed in 1997 for a further three years. The Government’s decision in 1999 to extend the contractual arrangements with An Post gave rise to a procurement complaint being lodged with the European Commission in 2000. 

“The complaint was subsequently referred to the European Court of Justice by the European Commission. Now the European Court of Justice ruled that Ireland did not fail in its obligations under community law. The move will strengthen the future of An Post and, particularly, rural post offices which are so vital to the community,” said Deputy Cregan.

Traffic congestion

Traffic congestion in certain areas of the city should be eased in the near future after arrangements were made following a special motion to Limerick City Council by Independent Councillor Pat Kennedy.

Cllr Kennedy confirmed to the Limerick Independent that arrangements for the provision of traffic lights had been made at the Courtbrack Avenue/Dock Road junction to facilitate traffic circulation and easier access/exit points at the junction in early 2008.

Cllr Kennedy said that a similar provision had been provided for the Atlas Avenue/Dock Road junction.

Cllr Kennedy said that he had submitted a special motion to the Council to make the necessary arrangements to ease the traffic circulation.