Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 July 2008
965 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which research was carried out into the possible use of post codes; the cost of such studies; if recommendations were made or adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29190/08]
View answerIn arriving at its recommendation to introduce postcodes, the National Postcodes Project Board was assisted by advisors, appointed by ComReg. The advisors carried out two extensive consultations with stakeholders both within the postal sector and outside it with a view to arriving at a postcode model that would best meet the needs of the stakeholders and to measure the likely costs and benefits of the introduction, promotion and maintenance of such a postcode.
In order to progress the project, my Department has recruited consultants to assist it in carrying out analysis, to establish a more complete estimate of the costs and benefits of postcodes to the public sector. To date, my Department has incurred €27,225 in consultancy fees for the project and I expect that a further €27,225 will be incurred to finalise the analysis currently under way.
I will consider how best to proceed with the proposal on receipt of this analysis.
