One of our most frequently asked questions is:
How is GeoDirectory updated?
This blog will aim to answer that question by explaining who GeoDirectory works with and how we consistently maintain and enhance one of Ireland’s most accurate and comprehensive address databases.
Background
GeoDirectory was established over 20 years ago with the goal of creating a complete and reliable directory of all residential and commercial addresses in the Republic of Ireland. Today, the database includes:
- Over 1.9 million buildings
- More than 2.3 million individual addresses
Each building record contains detailed data, including the address, building type, geocodes, height, ground floor level, and boundary information.
Thanks to An Post’s extensive local knowledge and Tailte Éireann’s geographical and technological expertise, GeoDirectory offers the most robust and sophisticated address data available in Ireland.
So, how is GeoDirectory updated?
Our update process is multi-faceted, incorporating input from key stakeholders, direct customer feedback, and our in-house team of experts. Here’s how it works:
1. An Post
A dedicated team at An Post collects and verifies address data on an ongoing, biannual basis. Their information comes directly from local delivery staff, along with additional sources such as:
- Property developers
- Local authorities
- Customer feedback
- Commencement notices
Quality Control
All collected data is stored in a centralised Oracle database. An Post carries out weekly quality checks, validating new entries and investigating anomalies.
Customers can also submit update requests (e.g. business name changes). Once verified on the ground, these changes are incorporated into the database.
An Post also works closely with local authorities and developers, carrying out on-site verification of new or amended addresses before they are added.
2. Tailte Éireann
Tailte Éireann contributes critical geospatial and boundary data, including:
- Full administrative boundaries (county, electoral division, townland, small area)
- Building height and ground elevation (at pavement level)
- Floor area (in square metres)
- Multiple geocode formats:
- Easting/Northing
- ITM Easting/Northing
- Latitude/Longitude
Geocoding enables each building to be precisely located on a digital map—essential for satnav systems—accurate to within ±1 metre.
This data is sent nightly to An Post, where it is integrated into the master GeoDirectory dataset.
3. GeoDirectory Team
The final layer of the process comes from the GeoDirectory team, who ensure the data is refined, customised, and delivered to customers.
- GeoDirectory receives quarterly updates from both An Post and Tailte Éireann
- We carry out thorough quality assurance and format the data to meet specific customer requirements—by county, electoral division, or custom GIS boundaries
Ongoing Updates
No address database is ever static. On average, GeoDirectory makes 600,000 changes per year, including:
- New constructions
- Business name and address changes
- Relocations
- Reclassifications
- New business registrations and closures
Our team of data scientists and technology specialists also deliver the data in various formats and product types, tailored to meet the needs of each client.
4. Census & Small Area Data
Every five years, we incorporate updated socio-demographic data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO):
- Updates include new small area boundaries and census datasets
- Socio-demographic indicators are calculated at the small area level and added to GeoDirectory
- Small areas are the smallest statistical units used for data collection, enabling precise, privacy-compliant insights
This allows GeoDirectory to combine address-level accuracy with rich local context—ideal for businesses, public bodies, and analysts. The small area-level statistical layer is updated quarterly alongside new address data.
GeoDirectory is a living, evolving database—refreshed by a collaborative process involving An Post, Tailte Éireann, the CSO, and our own expert team. The result is Ireland’s most powerful and precise address database, used by organisations across both the public and private sectors.
Posted: 29/05/2025 11:57:25