The company behind Eircode expects the postcode to be widely used within two years, despite the teething problems that plagued the system on launch day and sustained criticism from courier companies.

Former communications minister Eamon Ryan has questioned the decision- making behind the design of the country’s new €27m postcode and called on Communications Minister Alex White to explain the rationale behind it.

Plans to introduce a postcode system this year have created more questions than

A group representing freight and courier firms has claimed a design report for Eircode shows the national postcode project has been structured to meet the requirements of An Post, "to the exclusion of its competitors".

The controversial €27m postcode system, due to be introduced next year, has been described by officials in the Department of Communications as a "world-beating" solution to Ireland’s address problems.