Written answers

Tuesday, 27 March 2007

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Postal Services

11:00 am

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will introduce a system of postcodes; if he will 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 implementation of postcodes; the amount of same 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. [11534/07]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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In order to examine the introduction of a postcode system in Ireland, I established a Working Group comprised of people with experience of the postal sector, together with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Following from the recommendations of the Working Group report, I asked ComReg to appoint project managers to support the postcode project by providing technical and economic advice including assessing the costs and benefits of the introduction of a postcode. I also appointed a National Postcode Project Board, comprising of representatives of Government Departments and public and private sector organisations to oversee the process and to submit a detailed report to me.

As part of its analysis, the board's advisors 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 measuring the likely costs and benefits of the introduction of such a postcode. The board has presented to me, for consideration, 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 including the levels of funding required and how those funding requirements should be met.

The consultants calculated that the likely upfront cost of establishing, implementing and promoting the postcode would be in the region of €15m. There would also be ongoing annual maintenance costs but that these would to be met from revenues generated by the postcode manager. I expect to bring a proposal to Government shortly in relation to the board's recommendations including those as they relate to financing requirements.

In light of the board's report, An Post is also currently engaged in a process of further reviewing the costs and benefits to the company of introducing a postcode. I am expecting the results of that review shortly, the outcome of which will also be considered in the context of my proposal to Government.

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