Ombudsman barred from probing complaint over postcodes

The Ombudsman has said it is precluded from investigating a complaint by the body representing the freight industry over the country’s new postcode.

The Freight Transport Association of Ireland says it is concerned there may be a conflict of interest in the awarding of a contract to establish whether Eircode is fit for purpose to the same consultants that advised the State on the postcode’s introduction.

Members of the FTAI include international delivery firms FedEx, UPS, and DHL, all of which have stated that they will not use the new code due to its design.

The FTAI’s complaint was submitted in late December; however, the Ombudsman’s office said it could not handle the complaint.

“The Ombudsman has confirmed to FTA Ireland that his office is precluded by law from proceeding with our complaint, as our members have recourse to the courts on the matter if they so wish,” said Neil McDonnell, general manager of the FTAI.

The Ombudsman sent the FTAI an email to inform it that it would not examine the body’s complaint that the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources awarded an advice and evaluation tender to a commercial entity which was already contracted to the postcode project.

“Having examined your correspondence and receiving advice from a senior investigator, I regret to advise you your complaint cannot be accepted by this Office,” the Ombudsman wrote in an email.

“This Office is precluded from examining a complaint where the person affected by the action has a right of appeal to the courts.”

Mr McDonnell said his members are considering their next course of action.

“A number of alternative and additional measures are under consideration,” said Mr McDonnell.