Ireland is introducing postcodes this summer and an outreach programme is in place to ensure that no one is left behind. Dónall Geoghegan, Programme Manager for the Eircode Community Outreach Programme explains.
An Eircode is a smart location code for all Irish addresses. Unlike other countries, where postcodes define clusters or groups of addresses, an Eircode will identify an individual address – rural or urban – and help show exactly where it is located. This means every residential address and business will receive a unique Eircode.
There are numerous benefits to introducing Eircode into Ireland. Not only will it make the delivery of services and goods to households easier, but in the case of a medical emergency, being able to accurately and quickly identify an address can save valuable minutes.
This July, all residents and businesses will receive a letter notifying them of the Eircode for their address. Addresses will not be changing; an Eircode will simply be added to current addresses.
The Wheel, working closely with Irish Rural Link, are leading a nationwide effort to reach out to people who may get left behind when Eircodes are introduced. There are 23 'Outreach Champions' leading the drive throughout the country to reach these people and offer them basic information and reassurance on the change. They are getting in touch with volunteers in community and voluntary organisations right around the country, asking them to reach out within their own community to ensure that nobody gets left behind. We are particularly concerned that people reach out to people they know, friends, family and neighbours, who are older, isolated or vulnerable and may not understand or may become confused by what this change means.
Could you help out? Could you hold an event this summer to reach some of the target group in your area? Could you get the word out through your local organisation? We'd love to hear from you.
See www.wheel.ie/eircode for the contact details of the 'Outreach Champion' for your area, or email Dónall Geoghegan at donallg@wheel.ie or call at 087-222-5691.
Further general information on Eircode is available at www.eircode.ie