Significant obstacles must be overcome if the new national postcode system, scheduled to be introduced by early 2011, is to be rolled out smoothly across Westmeath and the Midlands, according to local TD Peter Kelly.
Commenting on the publication of a report by the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, which proposes how best to establish a postcode system in Ireland, vice-chairman of the committee, Deputy Kelly, said the opportunity has arisen for Ireland to have the best postcode system in Europe.
“As Ireland is the last country in the EU to adopt postcodes, we should aim to be the best in terms of delivery. In that context, we recommend that the postcode system should be based on a unique identifier system using the best, most up-to-date technology.
“A unique identifier system provides for a speedy response by emergency services, provides greater efficiency and interaction with GPS technologies, and does not require change in names of townlands, etc, has low maintenance costs, supports spatial planning, and the delivery of health services in particular.
“There are also issues relating to data protection which we believe can and should be addressed and if necessary, legislation introduced,” said Deputy Kelly.
