One of the country’s leading groups of estate agents has given their backing to the new Eircode postcode system, which was unveiled this week.

Despite a mixed reaction from the public following its launch on Monday, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV) said the new system is “definitely something to be welcomed” and added that its members would look forward to the benefits it could bring to the industry.

IPAV president Eamon O'Flaherty, a director of Property Partners Brady in Maynooth, Co Kildare, said Eircode would be of particular benefit in rural areas but admitted there would be a transitional period for everyone. "IPAV would broadly welcome Eircode," he said.

“It should be of great assistance both to agents as well as house buyers, especially in rural areas.

“It will take a bit of time for people to get used to but it should make it easier for people to find a property and cut down on the number of phone calls looking for directions.

“The one thing we would say about it is that the lines need to be clearly and accurately identified as, particularly in the cities, falling one side of the line as opposed to another could have a major bearing on a property’s valuation.”

“There will be a transitional period, of course, but as a country I feel we need this as it’s a growing economy and population.”

Meanwhile, property portal MyHome.ie – which is owned by The Irish Times – said it hoped to implement Eircode into its site in the coming weeks.