Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
248. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the requirement to have an Eircode for broadband installation can be removed temporarily to allow those awaiting an Eircode can have internet installed in their new homes to allow them to work remotely during Level 5 restrictions. [32521/20]
View answerI understand the importance of people being in a position to work remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly at a time where restrictions are in place and when people are relying much more on electronic communications services . I am advised that each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website (https://finder.eircode.ie/#/ ). A notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of the address and an Eircode Database, updated on a quarterly basis, is provided to licenced businesses for their use. However, I understand that on occasion, some delay may be experienced pending completion of that application process and confirmation of a new Eircode in some service providers’ IT systems to facilitate matching of a specific location with a new eircode, so as to subsequently trigger the initiation of a broadband installation process.
While operational matters of private commercial operators, including the updating of databases and deployment of telecommunications infrastructure to specific premises, are a matter for these commercial operators and not one in which I have a role, my Department will bring this matter to the attention of ComReg in its role as independent telecommunications regulator.
