The Minister for Rural Affairs says people are walking past their local shops and businesses to shop online.
Minister Michael Ring says this decision is costing local economies and it's a reality for which people need to take responsibility.
The Minister made the comments in the Dail last night as rural TDs questioned him on what the government is doing to prevent the closure of almost 160 post offices nationwide.
Minister Ring says people need to wake up and realise the impact online shopping is having on rural economies.
He was responding to Sligo Leitrim Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny:
[audio mp3="https://img.oceanfm.ie/prod/uploads/2018/09/ring26-LONG.mp3"][/audio]
Martin Kenny hit back saying the broadband in rural areas is so poor people can't shop online:
[audio mp3="https://img.oceanfm.ie/prod/uploads/2018/09/kennyEVE.mp3"][/audio]
