An Post secures government cash payment services contract

An Post has been awarded a national procurement contract by Ireland’s Department of Social Protection to provide over-the-counter cash payments to welfare recipients. The contract, effective January 1, 2026, will run until December 2028, with the option for a one-year extension.

Around 30% of the department’s payments to customers are made in cash, highlighting the continued importance of An Post’s nationwide network of 880 post offices, particularly in rural communities. In 2025, An Post delivered almost 25 million welfare payments and handled more than €7bn in total transactions.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister Dara Calleary said, “An Post delivered almost 25 million welfare payments to our customers through the An Post Network in 2025. Now that this new contract is in place, my department, in conjunction with An Post, will continue to provide the important provision of cash payments to the department’s customers who rely on this service across urban and rural communities.”

Debbie Byrne, managing director of An Post Retail, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to service continuity, stating, “An Post is pleased to continue delivering cash payment services to Department of Social Protection customers across Ireland. Through investment in our unique network of 880 post offices, technology, training and our dedicated staff and postmasters, we will continue to ensure customers’ access to secure, reliable cash payments, so essential to local communities.”

The contract followed a competitive tendering process focused on securing value for money and service quality for taxpayers. An Post’s nationwide reach and operational resilience, including during extreme weather events, were cited as key factors in the award. The company plans continued investment in infrastructure and workforce to support the contract and strengthen service delivery across the country.

View the full story on An Post’s national procurement contract and its implications for welfare payments across Ireland.

Photo credits to Department of Social Protection’s LinkedIn