Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
179. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the minimum, maximum and median time for new properties to get an Eircode; the implications of this for connection of utility services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23569/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement, maintain and promote the National Postcode System "Eircode".
Eircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licensed businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my Department that over 117,500 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015.
The timeframe for the updated Eircodes to be made accessible to utility companies is dependent on each company's own Eircode data provider's contracted agreement. All such Eircode data providers are sourced and contracted by individual utility companies.
Operational matters and commercial decisions of private commercial operators, including the updating of databases, are a matter for these commercial operators and one in which I have no direct function.
