Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2007
99 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has a cost benefit analysis of the introduction of postcodes here; when he will publish a cost benefit analysis of the proposed postcode system; when a general consultation process will take place; the type of postcode system he favours; the timeframe of implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35612/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Postcode Project Board (NPPB) has presented its recommendation as to the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland, the costs and benefits arising from its introduction along with a detailed implementation plan. As part of its analysis, the NPPB's advisors carried out an extensive consultation with stakeholders both within the postal sector and outside it with a view to arriving at a postcode model that best meets the needs of the stakeholders and measures the likely costs and benefits of the introduction, promotion and maintenance of such a postcode.
After consideration of the matter in May this year, the Government decided that further analysis and quantification of the wider economic and societal benefits of postcodes would be required. Subsequently, the commitment to introduce a postcode system in Ireland was contained in the Programme for Government 2007-2012 and I am currently considering the issues involved in order to progress the project which I believe will play a vital role in the development of a modern communications network for the country.
