Rialachán Poist

Regulation of An Post’s price of universal postal services

Tariffs for universal postal services must comply with the following requirements:

1. Prices must be affordable so that all postal users may avail of the services provided
2. Prices must be cost-oriented by taking account of, and reflect the cost of, providing the postal service or part of the postal service concerned
3. Prices at single-piece tariff must comply with the uniform tariff requirement
4. Tariffs must be transparent and non-discriminatory

Where ComReg considers that a universal postal service provider (currently only An Post) is not complying, or has failed to comply, with the tariff requirements, ComReg can give a direction to the universal postal service provider concerned to ensure compliance with the decision.

In accordance with the 2011 Act, as there is no effective competition for the universal postal services, and following two public consultations, ComReg has made a price cap decision.

This price cap decision sets an upper limit on the amount by which An Post may adjust its prices for its universal postal services, during the 5 years of the price cap control (June 2014 – June 2019).

The price cap decision therefore does not set actual prices for An Post’s universal postal services but only sets an uppermost limit on the extent to which An Post may adjust its prices.

Further details can be found at ComReg Document 14/59i  and ComReg Document 14/59.