Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy 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 put a price tag of €80 to €90 million for the full implementation 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. [23046/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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A proposal on postcodes was brought to Government earlier this year. Before the project can proceed however, the Government decided that further analysis and quantification of the benefits of postcodes is required. The upfront cost of establishing a postcode address database, implementing and promoting the postcode has been estimated in the region of €15m. There would also be ongoing annual maintenance costs but these would be met from revenues generated by the postcode manager. As part of its work on the project, the National Postcode Project Board carried out an extensive consultation with stakeholders, both within the postal sector and outside it. In addition to this, a public consultation will also be held before a postcode system is introduced.

The commitment to introduce a postcode system in Ireland is contained in the programme for Government and I am currently considering the issues involved and the next steps.