Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 June 2015
257. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when Eircode will be operational; the efforts that are being made to assist businesses and households with the transition involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25327/15]
View answerCapita Business Support Services Ireland were awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop and implement the National Postcode System. The design for the System was approved by Government in April, 2014 and the 'Eircode' brand was also launched at that stage. The project is currently in the implementation phase and due to go live this July. The dissemination phase will then commence with the delivery by post of a unique eircode to every address in Ireland.
The Eircode website, www.eircode.ie, was launched in April 2014. This website has information on Eircodes for both residents and businesses. The Eircode team has briefed businesses through a series of seminars and are continuing to work with them to prepare for Eircodes.
A national information campaign has commenced to inform the public about Eircodes and promote their usage. This campaign will include advertisements in the national media, including TV, radio and newspapers. Television and radio ads will focus on the benefits to the public including the fact that Eircodes make it easier to find addresses. Regional press ads will provide information on Eircodes and advise locally when people can expect to receive their Eircode letter.
An integral element of the communications strategy is a Community Outreach Programme for Eircodes using networks of community and voluntary organisations, in conjunction with the Wheel and Irish Rural Link. The aim of this programme is provide information on Eircodes and their benefits to people and groups that mainstream communications might not reach. This approach will allow local concerns to be addressed locally in a timely manner.
