An ongoing problem over the system used for addressing homes in rural townlands in the lakeland county has led to the peculiar situation of many houses and properties seemingly not existing in certain postal databases.

Currently, many homes are identified by their unique townland name, rather than the conventional street name and number system used elsewhere. This apparently does not match with databases used by many companies across the UK, such as mail order firms or service providers.

Residents say they are fed up, as the problem bars them from applying successfully for services such as mobile phones or car insurance.

Local woman Sharon Whittaker said the problem meant that a number of houses in her townland of Drumgoon, including her own, apparently 'don't exist' as postal addresses.

"I, like hundreds of people, have been having a number of problems with my postal address for years and it is rather frustrating," she said.

"The current postal address system in Fermanagh is useless, as we live in a technological age where everything from getting goods delivered, ordering taxis, taking out contract mobile phones, getting competitive insurance quotes and a mortgage requires a recognisable postal address."

Current legislation does not allow councils to number properties in townlands, only to number roads and streets, and the issue has been the subject of ongoing debate among local councillors.

Following a meeting this week, the council will write to Environment Minister Arlene Foster asking her to look at changing the relevant legislation.

"The council are the people empowered to name road names and number houses," explained vice-chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Brian McCaffrey.

"What they are not entitled to do is what we are actually looking to do - to number properties within townlands.

"The advantage of numbering properties within townlands is that it allows them to go onto what's called the Pointer System, to be given a unique GPS reference and be 'traceable'.

"If the legislation can be amended to allow individual properties in townlands to be numbered, which is what we are asking the Minister for, then there shouldn't be a problem."