Dáil Éireann - Volume 637 - 05 July, 2007

Written Answers. - Postal Services.

Deputy Thomas P. Broughan Deputy Thomas P. Broughan

2178

Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will introduce a system of postcodes; if he will urgently publish the National Postcode Project Board’s feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis on the potential introduction of postcodes; if the report puts a price tag of €80 to €90 million for the full imple[2178] mentation of postcodes; the amount of this that will be financed by the taxpayer; if there will be a general consultation process before a system of postcodes is introduced; the type of postcode system he favours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19487/07]

Deputy Eamon Ryan Deputy Eamon Ryan

  Deputy Eamon Ryan: The National Postcode Project Board (NPPB) has presented its recommendation as to the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland, the costs and benefits arising from its introduction along with a detailed implementation plan. As part of its analysis, the NPPB’s advisers carried out an extensive consultation with stakeholders both within the postal sector and outside it with a view to arriving at a postcode model that best meets the needs of the stakeholders and measures the likely costs and benefits of the introduction of such a postcode. The upfront cost of establishing a postcode address database, implementing and promoting the postcode has been estimated to cost in the region of €15 million. There would also be ongoing annual maintenance costs but these would be met from revenues generated by the postcode manager.

I am currently considering the issues involved and the next steps.

Dáil Éireann 637 Written Answers. Postal Services.

Questions

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