Written answers

Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Postcode Implementation

Photo of Barry CowenBarry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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97. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for a post code system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20214/13]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Ireland is the only country in the EU and OECD that does not have a national postcode. I wish to reiterate the strong commitment of the Government to introducing a national postcode system.

A national postcode system is in my view a vital part of the national infrastructure. Apart from providing efficiencies for postal delivery it will significantly impact deliveries of public and private services.

The procurement process for a national postcode system has proven to be more complex and protracted than originally envisaged. As the Deputy will appreciate it is crucial that the postcode system to be put in place delivers the optimal level of service whilst providing full value for money for the tax payer.

Since the procurement process commenced in 2011 intensive work has taken place on what is an extremely complex national project with many different inter-dependent aspects to it. Consequently the procurement process is still ongoing. It is expected that the final tender will be issued to all qualified bidders in mid-May.

The proposals in response to that tender will, in turn, be evaluated, by the postcode evaluation team, a preferred option will be chosen and a recommendation will be made to Government.

The final decision to proceed with implementation of a national postcode will be one for Government and will be based on appropriate financial, technical and operational considerations. I cannot give a precise date on when this decision will be made but I intend that it will be no later than the third quarter of this year.

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