Scheme to introduce postcodes could cost up to euro 50m
The introduction of postcodes across the country will initially cost euro 15m, with the overall cost likely to be more than three times that.
The National Postcode Project Board (NPPB) has advised the government that euro 15m is the “upfront cost” of establishing, implementing and promoting the postcode.
An Post estimates that the overall cost of the scheme could be as high as euro 50m.
But Communications Minister Eamon Ryan has now decided to recruit more consultants to establish a “more complete estimate of the costs and benefits” of postcodes to the public sector.
The idea was first mooted by Mr Ryan’s predecessor Noel Dempsey, now Transport Minister, who originally set a deadline of 2008 for postcodes to be brought in.
On taking office last summer, the Green Party Minister pledged to press ahead with the introduction of a “clear and simple system” of postcodes as soon as possible.
Given the continued delays, however, it appears unlikely postcodes will be introduced before 2009.
Last night, Labour’s Liz McManus said she was not yet convinced of the necessity for postcodes and whether they should be prioritised.
The introduction of postcodes across the country will initially cost euro 15m, with the overall cost likely to be more than three times that.
The National Postcode Project Board (NPPB) has advised the government that euro 15m is the “upfront cost” of establishing, implementing and promoting the postcode.
An Post estimates that the overall cost of the scheme could be as high as euro 50m.
But Communications Minister Eamon Ryan has now decided to recruit more consultants to establish a “more complete estimate of the costs and benefits” of postcodes to the public sector.
The idea was first mooted by Mr Ryan’s predecessor Noel Dempsey, now Transport Minister, who originally set a deadline of 2008 for postcodes to be brought in.
On taking office last summer, the Green Party Minister pledged to press ahead with the introduction of a “clear and simple system” of postcodes as soon as possible.
Given the continued delays, however, it appears unlikely postcodes will be introduced before 2009.
Last night, Labour’s Liz McManus said she was not yet convinced of the necessity for postcodes and whether they should be prioritised.
“We’re not a very big country. There are positives to introducing them, but there are negatives,” she said.
“The positives are enabling the emergency services to get to the right addresses at the right time.
“But it’s also used for business reasons for a lot of junk mail and there would be a lot of targeting and marketing.”
The Labour TD reasoned that An Post would stand to benefit commercially from greater business use of the postal service.
“There is a public interest, but there’s also an environmental interest,” she added.
Downside
“Do we really need to have a lot more stuff coming through our letterboxes for no real purpose but other than to promote and advertise products?
“That is the downside and seems to me to be the underlying agenda to the extent for the postcodes in Ireland.
“We’re not a big country. We seem to be able to manage quite well without postcodes.”
It was also “regrettable” that the Minister has not yet made a decision, but decided to employ consultants to undertake a further review, Ms McManus said.
