IE Domain Registry - Definition and Overview

The IE Domain Registry (IEDR) is the domain name registry for the .ie country code top-level domain. The IEDR is a not-for-profit organisation and a member of CENTR, the orgainsation was spun-off from University College, Dublin in July 2000.

The IEDR have received a lot of media attention in Ireland and abroad for their unusual policies in issuing domains, which often seem to resemble jobs for the boys. A large amount of generic terms in the technology and medical sectors were registered to small groups of people in what was almost certainly cybersquatting. Whilst this was happening, Irish firms were being denied domains because they were overly generic and did not reflect the companies name. It was also found that the IEDR were often charging domain holders for 12 months in every 11, billing people a month earlier each year for the same amount.

However, in 2004, the state communications regulator, ComReg, stated their intention to take control of the .ie domain and liberalise its sale, in a similar manner to the compulsion placed on Eircom to open its DSL network to resellers. The IEDR will cease to exist as the main registrar, although it may continue to sell domains. However, as its domains were among the priciest in the world (€112 retail, around €55 to resellers), it is unlikely the companies business plan will suceeed in a more open market.

See also

• Communications in Ireland

External links

• IE Domain Registry (http://www.domainregistry.ie/)
• Article on IEDR overcharging and irregularities (http://whoisireland.com/ienews-ministerregulatesiedr.html)
• The Register article on .ie seizure (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/04/13/ireland_ie_control/)