A NATIONAL POSTCODE system may be on the way for the first time, after laws allowing for one to be adopted were passed through the Oireachtas last night.

The Seanad last night gave its final approval to the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010, originally initiated by the Greens under then-minister Eamon Ryan, and the Bill will now go to President McAleese for signature.

Among other things, the Bill gives the Minister for Communications the power to authorise a national postcode system, as long as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is happy to allow for a contract to be issued.

The move could bring to an end Ireland’s era of being one of the only countries in the western hemisphere not to employ a nationwide postcode system.

A spokesperson from the Department of Communications has told TheJournal.ie that the implementation of a National Postcode System is being put out to tender, and that the procurement process was launched in January of this year.

The Bill also copperfastens An Post’s status as a universal postal service carrier for the next seven years – though the original wording, as introduced by the last government, would have ensured this status for 20 years.