Transforming Address Accuracy: How Eircodes simplify finding addresses in Ireland

When we think of an address for a property, we typically envision a combination of a house number, street name, city or town, and county. However, did you know that around 30-35% of addresses in the country lack unique identifiers? These “non-unique” addresses can cause confusion, especially when trying to locate a specific property. Take, for example, the quaint town of Tingar in Ballygarrett, Co. Wexford. If you look it up on Google Maps, you’ll find numerous properties clustered together, all sharing the same address.

Local postmen and women who’ve been delivering mail along the same route for years might know which house belongs to the O’Sullivans and which one the O’Briens occupy. But what about others seeking those properties? Imagine a courier driver fresh from a depot near Dublin Airport, tasked with dropping off parcels at various addresses in North Wexford. In the past, they’d rely on chance encounters with locals during walks to find the right house.

And it’s not just couriers. Repairmen, too, faced challenges when trying to locate houses in places like Tingar. Imagine an ambulance driver urgently searching for a house where a resident has suffered a heart attack. The stakes are high, and precise location matters.

Enter Eircodes

In 2015, Ireland introduced Eircodes—a system that assigns a unique code to each address. An Eircode consists of a three-character routing key (often referring to the post code area) followed by a four-character combination specific to the property. Now, when an ambulance driver or a Bord Gais repairman enters the Eircode assigned to the Deveraux House in Tingar into their Sat Nav, it guides them directly to the front door.

But Eircodes offer more than convenience. They reduce the chances of important mail going astray. Utility companies benefit too—they can better estimate the distance between a new housing estate and the nearest existing cable.

Streamlining Addresses

You might wonder why some Dublin addresses omit neighborhood names. The answer lies in practicality. If you asked five people in Dublin 12 where Crumlin ends and Kimmage begins, you’d likely get five different answers. To streamline administration, addresses include only essential details: house number (and name, if applicable), thoroughfare name, and postcode. So while someone living on Mourne Road in Dublin 12 knows they’re in Drimnagh, their address won’t explicitly state it.

GeoDirectory’s Role

GeoDirectory, as the custodian of Ireland’s largest address database, plays a pivotal role in the creation and maintenance of Eircodes. When individuals seek an Eircode for their newly built house or need to update business information associated with an existing Eircode, GeoDirectory is often their first point of contact.

Here’s how GeoDirectory contributes to the Eircode system:

Address Provision and Accuracy: GeoDirectory continuously strives to enhance its methods for capturing accurate and up-to-date addresses. These addresses are then shared with Eircode for inclusion or modification. Whether it’s a residential property or a commercial unit, GeoDirectory ensures that the associated Eircode reflects the correct location.

Business Efficiency and Savings: Eircodes, now over nine years old, have overcome initial challenges and proven to be a resounding success. One tangible benefit is the cost savings for businesses. With Eircodes, products can be delivered more efficiently, reaching customers promptly. No more wasted time or resources due to inaccurate addresses.

Navigating West Cork

Picture yourself heading to a charming rental cottage in West Cork. As you enter the Eircode provided by the letting agent, take a moment to appreciate the foresight behind the Eircode system.
It’s a testament to those who recognized the need for precise location data—a system that guides us seamlessly to our destinations.
 
Posted: 04/06/2024 15:50:42