The postal operator said it was “shocked and greatly saddened” by Fastway’s receivership and the impact on its workers, but warned it may not be able to accommodate all additional service requests from new customers at this time.

An Post said its Christmas peak ­operations had been planned for months, with resources already allocated to meet strong e-commerce demand.

The company said it is instead focusing on helping existing small business customers who already have delivery accounts, advising them to resume their service or use Advantage Card labels through the post office network.

It confirmed that parcel volumes are running high and announced it is bringing forward the latest posting date for Christmas deliveries within Ireland and to the UK to December 16.

An Post added that it is

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