Ryan announces new post code system for Ireland

Green Party Communications Minister Eamon Ryan today announced that the Government has approved the introduction of a new postal code system for Ireland.

The Department of Communications will issue an invitation to tender shortly for the implementation of this new system. It is expected that post codes will be assigned and in use in early 2011.

A report from PA Consulting put the monetary benefits of postcodes to the State at €22 million in the medium term. It is widely acknowledged, however, that most of the benefits of such a type of system cannot be accurately gauged in monetary terms.

A postal code system throughout the country will bring a number of benefits including faster and more accurate postal delivery. This will benefit householders and business and save money for the State as a major postal customer.

A locational code system, such as the one envisaged, will also unlock the potential across Government Departments for use of this spatial data for policy planning. The information will allow Government to match demographic trends to its policy making i.e. assist in deciding the location of schools, hospitals. Post codes have also been identified by the emergency services as aiding their speedy deployment to the location as required.

It is envisaged that an alphanumeric postal system (ABC 123) will be used to identify clusters of houses.

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The exact allocation and design will not be finalised until the tender process is complete.

Announcing the move, Minister Ryan said, “A postal code system represents an excellent investment for any modern country and is essential for the development of the digital economy. I look forward to working on its swift implementation over the next 15 months."