Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
DRIVERS ARE BEING urged to exercise caution of deer on the roads during their breeding season.
The Irish Deer Commission has said that motorists should be particularly vigilant at dawn and dusk when deer are most active, particularly in high risk areas such as woodlands and mountains.
From late September until early November male deer parade around showing off their antlers to potential mates by clashing with other males – an event known as the rut.
The Commission said: “While the rut is an amazing experience to witness, it is also a time when there is an increased incident of road traffic accidents involving deer as male deer go in search of females, and younger males are ousted by dominant males forcing deer to cross public roads and motorways.”
Drivers are being asked to reduce speed in areas such as woodlands and mountains, and if they see a deer, dip their headlines as the full beam could cause the deer to freeze on the road.
If a deer has crossed in front of a car, drivers should stay alert as others may follow. They are also advised not to approach an injured deer.
The Commission added: “If you are involved in a road traffic accident involving a deer or come across a deer that has been involved in a road traffic accident, immediately contact the local Gardaí. The Irish Deer Commission operate a humane deer dispatch scheme with 135 trained volunteers assisting agencies and charities who deal with an increasing number of deer vehicle collisions nationally.”
I live in a rural area and have done for courier deliveries, but they just ring over the phone looking for directions anyway. The idea is right but if delivery companies don’t use it something must be wrong with the system in place.
It cost them money to use…..so many don’t use it.
Never had problems with UPS and DHL deliveries since using eircode.
I was being transported in an ambulance about 6 months ago and asked the paramedic about eircodes and GPS devices etc. He cracked up laughing and said they not only do they not use them but when they ahve to use something rely on their own phones for directions. It surprised me.
Fg know no ends to wasting money what a bunch of loosers just like ff snakes
One part if the state , the government spend millions on a post code Hardly anyone uses. While an post state owned rolls out address pal.
AddressPal is a service from An Post that allows customers to avail of a UK address that can be used as a postal address for the delivery of UK online orders. Items are then available for collection at the Post Office you have selected.
Which is a great service.
Yes, cutting-edge An Post jumping on the bandwagon after the private sector showed the way years ago (Parcel Motel).
Jiri Zeman UPS & DHL DO NOT USE EIRCODE…..ASK THEM!!!
They could deliver without calling, just using the eircode. Before it was not possible. It seems they are using the eircode.
Or it’s the local delivery company using the eircode.
Never had problems with them delivering before it!!!!
And yet my post still arrives. Its almost like this was a huge waste of money. If only there’d been countless experts saying that exact same thing…oh wait.
Stephen
At the very minimum a 40 million waste and will be more, this was done specifically so an post could control the process and had nothing to do with the effectiveness of the system which was known during the process to be a shambles. I do not know my post code the only time I had to use it is for official government business such as a passport or census, it is just another process for civil service mandarins .
I didn’t put mine on nether passport nor census form
Local Post Usually take’s just 1 day if posted before 5pm the day before.
My Cousin decided to post a letter to me using only my EIRcode. it took 5 days!!! when the letter finally arrived the full address was written down on the envelope; Someone at the sorting office had to search the EIRcode and write down the full address. try it – i bet it will take longer to deliver with just an EIRcode than written down the full address. Complete waste of money!
Stephen
The woman handing out the census from not do so until I provided an eircode number had to look up on line. It only seems to be on government forms I had to update a passport a couple of weeks ago and it was on the form, the same with registering to vote last January (the first time I came across it or knew of its existence) I imagine It is now on every government form. I suppose you are right you do not have to put it in as the address is more than adequate, however as mentioned this was not the case with the census.
Just wondering does anybody know if emergency services use them? I live in a very rural.part of Ireland so if they used the code I could see some benefit in them?
we can chalk this one uo with the voting machines and irish water
Woman never asked me for any eircode
Rob I’ve spoken to a few paramedics on the subject and they say their alert system is not set up for address codes and in the dispatch centers the maps they use don’t have eircodes
Their GPS systems do use Eircode.
An Post were part of the design team and it is structured so as to not impact their successes. They have a very impressive delivery rate.
Eircode was designed by keyboard jockeys who never set foot away from their computer…
No did i….
Dont make me laugh. I asked the post man. “We dont use them”.. Just about says it all
Badly implemented for a start. The postmen don’t even have the infrastructure to check the damn things lol.. Might be a computer back at base to check them but what good is that.
Stephen,I’m a postman and you’re right. We’ve no way of checking back at base. It would be useless anyway. The random nature of the assigned codes mean there’s no way of learning each code.
Paul, I am sure you’re doing alright without them :-)
Indeed Stephen. Hasn’t made a blind bit of difference to my work
Paul I lived in England for a bit and the codes bear some semblance of where the area is for the post. Like Brighton would be bn and followed by numbers.
That would make sense Aoife, here in Ireland we like to make them random just annoy the shite out of everyone, and rendering them useless
I think if they were not random, they may be of some actual use but I dont use my eircode at all. post still gets here. Stupid stupid waste of our money & very poorly implemented
Aoife yes that’s correct. But the postcode often refers to a street or block of houses so its easier to use. They’ve also been using it for over 100 years! Here you and your next door neighbour have completely different random codes,apart from the postal area. It can work great for rural areas where there are no street names etc as every address has an individual code but services are not engaging with it so you’d have to ask yourself why.
I don’t think they’re random, the letters may not match the area but everyone in the area is under the same letter in the eircode
@dowthebow they aren’t. For example the first 2 letters after the area code for me are CC. My neighbour on one side is R9 and on the other side is YX. It’s completely randomly assigned.
I’ve never used it Paul and I get on really well with my postman he’ll always stop for a chat and what have you. In a way there like the neighbourhood eyes and ears.
Eircode areas are huge, e.g. Whole of limerick city and county with 80,000 dwellings is same routing key. Why bother….
Seriously? NO.. Millions down the swanny
I’ve never used it, and it’s wasting one of my precious fridgd magnets.
Me whaaa?
Where is GetLostEircodes. It’s your moment to shine.
Here i am fret not…
Pointless shite and a waste of money. I had to renew my passport last week and on the form it was looking for my eircode which I don’t know so I asked the woman in the post office do I need it and goes “Oh no,don’t mind that”.
Never.
Another stupid idea that wasn’t needed in the first place. Idiots.
We just wanted to copy Britain
I use it,it’s handy if you live out in the countryside for couriers etc
Always use it. Couriers find it useful. Maybe not so useful for city dwellers.
Gave mine to a courier and was told “we don’t use those”, so I don’t bother with it anymore.
The road to Eircode.
You have little to be worried about eircode
Tell me that when you have a rural road traffic accident and the emergency services can’t find you.
CONTROL: 999 Which service?
CALLER: Ambulance
CONTROL: What’s your Eircode?
CALLER: ABC 1234. Why do you want to know that?
CONTROL: So I can send an Ambulance to your home.
CALLER: But I’m not at home.
Control : What’s your Eircode
Caller : —Bad Line— W23-ABCC
Control : Is that W23-ABCD
Caller : Pst…zzzz…crakle…pop….W23-ABCC
Control : Ok got that W23-ABCE
Dispatches ambulance to wrong location…
Control: what’s your address?
Caller : Ballyeircode
Control:where is that?
Caller:you pass jimmy a house and take the second right when you see the sign post for the chapel take your next left at Barry’s house you’ll see a tractor parked outside his house go on about a mile and if you come across a bridge you’re gone too far
Eircode you’ve obviously never had to give a code across the phone.they controller would say,Is that W for Wexford A for another B for because and C for canoe,they use a word starting with the mentioned letter
Bad line, someone badly injured, someone drunk, battery running out.
Eircode is USELESS without the FULL code
Eircode is easily confused
Eircode has no error checking
If someone is drunk or is on a bad line they will have the same difficulty in giving their address or their eircode is doesn’t make a difference
With an alternative code like Loc8 code even only a partial code is useful as the code is hierarchical with nested zones of ever increasing resolution. I has 3-digit Zones of 3.5km squared, 6- digit Locations of 120m squared or exact code.
I’d love to show you examples but the journal will delete any link to their website even if it is showing how they work.
So even first 3 digits will get ambulance / / fire brigade going in right general direction
Do you work for a company with an alternative code process?it all makes sense now
The “bad line misheard code” argument is ridiculous.
When you call emergency services in any country in the entire world you don’t give your post code and hang up. The post code forms part of the address. So in reality what would happen is either:
“My code is D02 1234″
“Ok, D02 1235. Are you at 123 Grafton St?”
“No”
“Ok, I misheard you”
OR:
“I’m at 123 Grafton St, D02 1234″
“123 Grattan St. Hmm that doesn’t match your code”
It’s a verification of the address. I’m not saying it’s better than other systems just that that particular argument doesn’t make sense.
No i don’t work for a company with alternative code, so no it doesn’t make sense now. Just a Loc8 supporter because it is smart & proven.
Does anyone???
I live in a rural area and my eir code is actually a slatted shed down a different road. If the cattle in it could pay my bills I’d use it all the time!
It is a good idea, most countries have it but like Irish Water it was badly implemented here. Apparently it was not linked to Sat nav services making it practically far less useful. It’s usefulness is seen if you need to find a rural address and you load the code into Google Maps.
Good idea, horribly implemented with zero planning or scope
It takes time for GPS systems to be updated. Google Maps will support Eircodes by the end of the summer.
True if it was loaded onto sat navs like in the UK it would be great. As it is now it is useless to me as a delivery driver.
Just use the free Autoaddress phone app – it’s designed for deliverymen.
From the company that designed Eircode in the first place…did you notice they added 2 more random postcode designs to that app?
Actually I was mistaken…if you load the code into the eircode site you get an exact fix…not Google Maps…It has to be made more user friendly even if this requires more investment.
Try Loc8code it is working 6 years now flawlessly. Works on Garmin satnavs too..
Does it find all the brown envelopes? and how fast
We’re always being told that Irelands population is to small and that’s why everything is so expensive, it’s the same with the post. All you need do is write the address and the letter arrives. No need for codes.
Posted it up the chimney, Santa always gets it………
I thought it was a good idea, especially in rural areas, you could have three john Murphys with exactly the same address, post man hasn’t a clue which post is for which. That said anyone could have said it should have a structure hierarchy instead of just randomness.
It was a good idea implemented poorly.
They should have grouped areas/streets/blocks of flats together under one post code, with some order or relation to the codes of neighbouring area/street/block of flats, instead of using a random code for each individual house/apartment.
No.
I put it on my census form when the census guy came over. Does that count as using it?
I didn’t even do that. Were we supposed to?
Me either.
It was already written on my form when he handed it to me
Alan – so someone tampered with your census form?
My sister worked collecting census forums. all forms had the Eircode written down on them. even if you didn’t know your Eircode, the Enumerators had a printed list of all codes with a Map of the area they were collecting forms from.
Yeah. The guy said mine wasn’t on it and asked did I have it.
Hahaha. Funny guy Eir what?
12 comments and no sign of “Get lost”
Someone get to his house quick and wake him up
Anyone know his Eircode?
Ah shite , you better let him sleep
I live in a rural area and the Eircode is great for deliveries.
Serious question: who actually uses it? An Post? DHL / FedEx or UPC or Fastway or Nightline or any of those guys?
I understand that they would have to pay every time they use it so I’m curious as to who is willing to pay.
Just as a matter of interest who do they have to pay? I have used Eircode in the past to find rural houses and have found it excellent. Once you have the correct Eircode Google maps brings you to the front door.
There is no payment for use of Eircode. Great for couriers.
As opposed to a big arrow pointing at your roof?
@Powerabbey @offtheball It may very well by possible to do 50 searches a day on your smartphone, but for large scale access to the database you need to pay
@offtheball Seriously? I’ve tried typing eircodes into Google Maps (and Google Earth) and the answer invariably is “We could not find …”.
the ‘what can i be outraged by today’ mob surly have their fix for the day with this :D
I’m more outraged at your ability to be so bad at grammar.
I dont use it and any mail I receive the address code is never on my mail . So the E voting machine’s and now those codes must be the greatest waste of tax payers money of all time and as we see so often no one is held accountable
@tommy macdonagh: There’s no need for you to be “surly”!
I only tried it once, when a UK site required a postcode… it didn’t acknowledge it.
The one thing I would want a postcode to do and it doesn’t, Big waste of time and money.
I only ever used it once to light the stove.
Live in the country. Tried to get broadband but provider could no find my address on their system. Offered to give my eircode so would be easier. The lady on the phone was surprised and said we don’t use those. Guess which broadband supplier I was calling?
eir
Yep
The only thing I found it useful for is filling in the zip code box when registering on some international websites or for parcel deliveries from The US.
In many cases its a required field that you cannot progress beyond without filling the box.
That said, I previously got by it by filling iin a series of random numbers and letters which often worked.
Bizarrely, I recently used my new Eirecode for the first time and was informed that it was an invalid code.
Nonsense!
I always put in the figure 01 in the postcode box and it excepts it. Would I be right in saying that 40 million equates to about 8 euro each per head of population.
You can just type ‘None’ into those zipcode boxes.
Ahhhhh Christ!!!
Didn’t know that Al.
38 mil for “NONE”
I just put cork in the bit wanting zip codes. Probably makes no difference but it accepts it
2 million addresses according to them so approx €20 each.
It has helped some couriers find us.
If it was just integrated with Google Maps, Apple Maps etc. like postcodes in most countries it would be so useful.
It is, if you use the free Autoaddress app
Eircode is all about Smart Meters, for data gathering.
Used it once, and my parcel was sent to the wrong building (even though it is listed correctly on Eircodes correctly).
Then stopped using it and haven’t had any issues.
Postcodes in the UK are not random like here. All houses on a street will usually have the same code, differentiated only by the house number. They work amazingly well – and even insurance companies use them to access risk. The code tells them whether the road is susceptible to flooding, subsidence etc.
Yes – when you’re booking something in the UK (hotel, tickets, internet purchase etc.), you’ll be asked for your postcode and house number. Then, the vendor has everything – and will usually store the information for further use.
ZIP Codes have been used in the USA for over 50 years, and in the UK for nearly as long. Both systems are proven successes – so why didn’t we adopt one of them, instead of making a pig’s ear out of our own flawed invention?
Because that’s what this country does with everything!!
Well, considering mine is incorrect…no.
Please tell, how is incorrect? Did you check online vs what was sent out?
Who voted I Don’t Know?
How do you not know?
Depending on the website, you have to use it if you’re buying online. Other than that I never use it at all. There should be an “Only when forced to” option
Once , while booking a hotel
00000
Mine is: SH 1T
We seem to enjoy wasting money in this country!
Somebody’s aunties uncles brothers cousin needed a few bob so they came up with the eircodes idea & managed to get their brothers cousin aunties uncles brother in law law to get some gombeen in government to agree to it thereby making themselves a handy few million that they didn’t need
This has been implemented? For how long? S’pose having to ask tells its own story.
I theory there useful but in practice with the five search (I think) limit and pay per use make them absolutely useless in the commercial world.
Eircode is really useful. Use very often. I cannot understand the resistance to using it.
Try using it to give directions to the local crossroads, pier, bog, telephone box, street etc
I’ve used it – it will become the norm so why not?
It’s excellent for us that live in a country area
The eircode is just a random number so why bother with it. Numbering the all roads, counties, local areas would make more sense.
N/A
Yes I use eircodes.
The one and only problem with them is that the database is not open and free, so it will not be used by couriers, Google Maps, sat nav companies, etc.
So random isn’t a problem? Uselessness for RTAs isn’t a problem? Lack of small localities isn’t a problem?
I tried to use it but it brought the courier onto a parallel & unconnected road.
Autoaddress by Autoaddress
https://appsto.re/ie/hCpbcb.i
Iv used this app a few times with the eircode. So far it has worked ok, but time will tell.
Look a bit deeper into the app they have introduced the alternative UK postcode What3Words which is a disaster for emergency services and they have also introduced a proprietary renaming of CSO local area codes. Have a look when you add Eircodes to a delivery list on the app.
So question is, if Eircode is so good then why did the developers of Eircode see the need to add 2 further poscodes to their app that appeared 2 years after the launch of Eircode?
Is it because the random Eircode is just junk and useless for deliveries?
When I was applying for a new driving licence I filled in my Eircode on the form and woman processing it scribbled it out, saying ‘we don’t use them’. Why would a government agency NOT use them???
U think it’s a great tool a few delivery guys have come straight to my door with my erode I don’t know what the fuss is all about. If u don’t use it it’s ur loss
A postcode system is extremely beneficial. Anybody who doesn’t see that is living in a small little world and not everybody knows your little world.
Ever try to find
Mr xxxx
Billyvale
Kilmacappin
Co Carlow…
When you haven’t a fxxxxxk clue where even Carlow is?
The problem with Eircode is it was never promoted.
They say it takes a few years to take off.
Really? Do they think 5% uptake is progress?
It needs to be promoted.
SatNav like Garmin and TomTom don’t use it.
It has failed.
The problem is that sat nav companies have to pay to get access to the database. This is why eircode has failed so far to make inroads
And people will have to pay to update their satnavs which they rarely bother to do. Also in car satnavs will likely NEVER get eircodes. And once you do update your database it will be immediately out of date.
The problem is that the codes given may as well have been random numbers on a dartboard that the executives aimed at while drunk. None of the codes make regional sense unlike the counterparts in the UK. We needed location based codes, not ones randomly generated. And it sure as hell would not cost 30 million to make a random number generator spew numbers at every home in he country.
well sometimes I do but what surprises the most is that when I receive a post form government institutions only some of them have the eir code included
I think I’ve use it once for a delivery the guy ended up ringing me asking where my house was anyways lol
It can be handy to find a friend’s house if they live out in the sticks , it can link to Google maps
Is there any reason why we can’t scrap Eircode and just use Latitude and Longitude? You know, how GPS actually works?? Seems like a logical solution to me!
Too many format variations making it cumbersome, easily confused & difficult to communicate accurately for non professionals.
In fairness we were well overdue getting post codes, but just like with most things in this country, the government managed to make a hames of it. The fact that there is no logic whatsoever to our post codes is ridiculous, but what would you expect in this country. Only in Ireland do we manage to take something that works in most countries, and end up with something that makes no sense.
Only time I’ve ever had to use it is while online shopping when its asked for.
I guess it’s ok for Businesses to have it or if you are living out in the sticks but outside that it’s a complete nuisance I always use five 0 just to fill it in if I was buying anything on line and still do unless somebody asks .
It isn’t being used by very many.
Open your newspaper today. How many postcodes can you see in all the adverts? None I bet.
They need to promote it.
They need to get the satnav companies on board. Without that, it ain’t going anywhere.
They need to be honest and relegate it as a property ID for billing and taxing. Then have a hierarchical code for emergency services, deliveries, navigation and tourism.
Only when ordering online from where the form for filling in my address are don’t allow enough characters and the like
Only when ordering online from sites where the address forms are dodgy*
Why does my phone hate me?
when i order stuff from amazon i dont put the eircode it gets here just as quick eircode is a wast of money
it should of never been brought in its dead in the water good buy eircode r.i.p.
The 2% not knowing if they use their eircode or not – fascinating…
Sometimes
Nah because we live in a fairly populated area. I do understand the need for rural areas tho
They got my address wrong but I got them to change it and yet I never use it, funny that lol.
I rang An Post last week looking for car insurance. The agent couldn’t find my postal address on the system so I gave her my eircode. Guess what? Their system doesn’t recognise it.
We were the only country in the EU without a post code system.
Yes it’s not perfect but it exists now so let’s get on with it.
You can’t live in the bog forever
Denis is a billionaire, Michael gave him a leg up, he’s not perfect so just let him get on with it…
How do ”I” use it? (o.O)
If you mean do I add eircode to awkward shipping address forms when it insists on a zip code or similar..
then yes.. but personally, I do not use an eircode. :P
have your say