1.

Can you explain why the decision was taken

to have a code that is not sequenced? In that it
appears to me buildings adjacent bear no link to
each other in the database. Why did we decide
to go with this kind of system when the likes of
freight operators for example are against it?
The fact that Eircodes are not sequenced with those of
adjacent buildings brings no disadvantages to users.
This is because each Eircode comes with co-ordinates,
which means any series of Eircodes can be put in
sequence for delivery or other purposes using basic
software. See slide 6 in the attached presentation for
more information.
From a citizens point of view, the most important
thing is that the Eircode is easy to remember.
A sequenced code would require thousands of
individual postcodes to be re-assigned every time a
new premises was built between existing buildings.
Aside from the administrative costs this would entail, it
would mean an individual citizens post code could
change frequently, making it difficult to remember the
correct, current, code.
It would also put additional costs on businesses, who
would have to change stationary and other printed
materials each time the code changed to maintain the
sequence.
It is inaccurate to say that all freight operators are
against it. For example Nightline, which is the
biggest delivery company in Ireland, fully supports
Eircode and says it will be using the system shortly
after launch.
2. Gary Delaney from the company Loc8

proposed an alternative form of postcode, more

in keeping he says with the way postcodes have
evolved internationally. Why is it his system was
not adopted?
Loc8 did not bid for the contract, either on its own or
as part of a consortium.
As is required for all Government procurement, there
was a comprehensive procurement process for a 10
year licence to provide the postcode system. This
covered design, encoding of public sector databases,
implementation, and the on-going operation and
management of the system for ten years. This
process was carried out in accordance with national
and EU procurement procedures.
3. Can you explain maybe in a paragraph who
exactly Eircode will benefit, and what the actual
need for it is? How will it impact on people's day
to day lives.
Eircodes will bring many benefits to citizens,
communities and business. For example:

It will be easier to accurately identify

addresses, including the 35% of Irish premises that
currently share their address with one or more
others.

It will be easier to shop online.

Businesses that deliver parcels or other

goods and services will have an affordable and
effective new tool, which accurately identifies
addresses and enables improved efficiency.

A wide range of public services will be

delivered more efficiently improving quality and
planning, while reducing costs.

Emergency services will be able to find the

correct address more quickly, particularly in rural
areas.

4. On costs, is the total amount spent 27

million? Of this how much was spent on the
actual code? I understand it may have been 2
million. Can you confirm what that amount is?
The total cost of 27m covers the various elements of
design (including coding), encoding of public sector
databases, and the implementation and on-going
management of the operation of Eircodes. The costs
associated with the design and verification of the code
itself are included in the design element, which
amounts to 9% of the total cost. The largest element
of the costs were encoding public service databases
and accessing the GeoDirectory database, which is
owned by An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland.
5. What happens if county or city councils
decide not to adopt Eircode?
It is not mandatory for any individual or organisation
to use Eircodes. As is common across the OECD, we
expect it to be widely used because of the benefits it
will bring (see above). This point also applies to
City/Councils.
The Department has worked closely with a wide range
of public service organisations, including the Local
Government Management Agency (LGMA). Local
authority electoral registers and rates files have been
updated with Eircodes.