Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Eircode had particular challenges to deal with in Ireland, compared to anywhere else in Europe. We have 35% non-unique addresses in Ireland. The country nearest to us in this regard is Portugal, with 2%, so we had a very difficult problem. In the Dáil, I used the example of Milltown. There are probably about 30 Milltowns in my constituency. I think pretty much every other rural constituency would have the same number, which causes problems. First, the same names and similar addresses in rural areas needed to be overcome and, second, locations had multiple forms of address, which needed to be addressed. These were the basic problems for Eircode. Using geo-co-ordinates does not deal with the issue of multi-unit developments, so the Eircode postcode provides a specific code for a specific premises. I have heard the argument about the hierarchical use of Eircode postcodes but what is to be done in the case of a one-off house in a rural area? I know Deputy Ryan may not be as sympathetic as some of us to these issues but they must be dealt with.

More important, from Deputy Ryan's point of view, is that we need to develop a significant number of brownfield sites in Dublin. How many Eircodes does one allocate to an existing vacant brownfield site? Does that allocation then restrict the number of units one develops on that site? If one develops additional units on that site, because of changes in designation or whatever the case may be, how would one decide on the Eircode numbers? That then adds another level of confusion. I have seen housing developments, particularly in the Chairman's constituency, where the site has had phased development. The first phase of the development is numbers one to five, the second phase of the development, which was to be the third phase, is numbers 15 to 20, and the next phase is numbers five to ten. Trying to find the next house number in some housing estates can be very confusing. Therefore, when we cannot get that right, how will a hierarchical system work?

I think the model that has been used for Eircode is a good model. I think it needs to be given the opportunity to prove itself but I think it will prove itself. Anywhere in the world where postcodes have been introduced, it takes a period of time for people to become accustomed to them and to adopt them. We spent a significant amount of money on rolling out the Eircode. If it dealt solely with ensuring that ambulances got to the scene of an incident quicker, it would prove its worth. I think it will prove itself in the medium term. It is not going to happen overnight.

Deputy Dooley asked me about the underspend in the subhead. The underspend is in respect of the national broadband plan. We have allocated €10 million for that. As members know, it is a very complex contract. It may be the case that we will not spend the full €10 million. We only bring in outside expertise as and when we require it. It is my intention, if funding is available, to invest in energy efficiency later on in the year. The SEAI better energy communities scheme has been over-subscribed. The SEAI announced funding in respect of it last week. I would like to drive more investment into the area of energy efficiency and insulation. That is my intention, if funding is available.