THE GOVERNMENT IS in the ‘final stages’ of planning the new postcode system and is expected to announce the final details shortly.

Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte told the Dail that the process for finding a licence holder to implement the postcodes is due to be decided soon.

The Minister said there has been “widespread support from public and private business for the introduction of postcodes nationally”.

“Intensive work has taken place on what is a complex national project and the procurement process has now entered the final stage,” Minister Rabbitte told the Dáil in response to a question from Fine Gael TD Simon Harris.

He cited improved accuracy in delivery letters and packages, as well as making things easier to plan as being two of the key benefits of the new postcode system.

It is expected that the system will be fully operational by September 2014.

Ireland is one of the few countries in the world that does not have a postcode system. Dublin is the only county which is divided into simple numerical codes to help with postal deliveries.

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