Rural TDs will launch a Dáil motion aimed at safeguarding the post office network today.

The technical group is giving the Government three months to implement a new action plan and to create a new community banking system.

They say Postmasters provide a vital service and that action is needed now to protect the rural way of life.

Kerry TD Michael Healy Rae says is one of those behind the motion: "What we have to do is look at what happened around the world and then follow on and learn from that.

"In New Zealand they were facing the exact same crisis as what we are at present and they brought in a community banking system.

"It has saved their rural post offices and I know we can do this in Ireland."