A stamp price increase in Ireland will come into effect next month, with An Post confirming higher national and international postage rates from Tuesday, February 3rd.

The changes will affect households and businesses in Waterford and across the country, as An Post moves to protect its national delivery service amid falling letter volumes and rising costs.

Increases

The cost of a national stamp will rise by 20 cent, increasing from €1.65 to €1.85.

An Post says the increase reflects higher operating costs and a continued decline in letter post, which has fallen by more than 50 per cent since 2016. Letter volumes dropped by a further seven per cent in the past year alone.

International postage will also increase. A new €3.50 stamp will apply to letters sent to Europe and Britain, while a €3.95 rate will apply to the rest of the world.

An Post says international letter volumes have fallen by 38 per cent in the past three years, creating significant losses that prompted the revised pricing.

The company says the new rates remain in line with average European postal charges and below the EU and UK benchmark for next-day domestic delivery.

An Post will also increase prices for registered post, bulk mail, meter mail and large envelopes.

For Waterford customers, An Post has confirmed that all existing National “N” and Worldwide “W” stamps will remain valid after February 3rd.

Free postage to nursing and care homes will also continue, a service widely used across the county.

An Post says it remains committed to maintaining next-day delivery to every address in the State, including rural areas of Waterford, despite pressure on the fixed-cost network.

The company says price increases remain necessary to safeguard staffing, infrastructure and its expanding low-emission delivery fleet.

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