2008
Delay in new post code is an
unnecessary cost burden to international trade
The Irish Exporters Association today, 2 January 2008 stated;
- Ireland is the only EU or OECD country without a postal code system
- The current postal system is inefficient and is believed to be adding 20% to 30% to the sorting/routing costs in An Post
Irish exporters rely on rapid parcel import services more heavily than most of their foreign competitors, to complete processing in Ireland, add value and then re-export. This is being hindered by lack of a universal post code system.
Business generally would benefit from a universal postal code system as a result of;
- More efficient sorting, which would go a long way to help An Post reach the Com Reg target for next day delivery of 94%. Current levels are running at approx 75%
- Reduction in the level of returned mail, which is currently running at approx 2% to 6%
- Increased ability of business to do target marketing and reduce on wasted cost and irritation factor to unintended mass market recipients
John Whelan, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association stated;
“There has been extensive consultation with business and the public on this matter throughout 2006. PA Consulting were commissioned by the Government in 2006 to advise on the issue and assembled all the necessary information with key recommendations from the Irish Exporters Association and the business community in May 2006.
There was an undertaking by the then Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to introduce the new post code system by 1 January 2008.
There has been little progress made on the matter in 2007 despite the pre-election promises, and we are calling on the new Minister Eamon Ryan to tackle the problem as a matter of urgency.
The EU Postal Directive has to be implemented in all member states within the next 12 months. The new universal post code system, if implemented, would make the introduction of the new Postal Directive more efficient and effective.”
He concluded;
“Time is no longer on our side, we need to act now if we are to avoid a mess in our postal system at the end of another 12 month period.’’
For further information, please contact:
John F. Whelan, Chief Executive, Irish Exporters Association
Mobile: 087 927 1243 or Email: jfwhelan@irishexporters.ie
About the Irish Exporters Association (IEA)
The IEA represents the needs of export industry ensuring that the necessary conditions are created and the necessary support is provided to assist companies to maximise their export sales. The IEA draws its membership from every exporting sector, ensuring that the interests of all industries are represented
and promoted at the highest level.
www.irishexporters.ie
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