asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that much dissatisfaction exists amongst business men in Mayo, and in Connaught generally, at the delay in extending the facilities of telephonic communication, and if he will state when the cause of this dissatisfaction may be removed.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION IN CONNAUGHT.
LIAM MAC SIOGHUIRD
Applications have been received from time to time for the extension of the telephone system to towns in Co. Mayo and other parts of Connaught.
The opening of an Exchange at Athenry has been sanctioned, and the work will be carried out on an early date. It is proposed to erect trunk line circuits to Tuam, Roscommon and Castlerea, and to establish Exchanges at these towns during the current financial year if sufficient subscribers are forthcoming to justify the expense which would be involved.
Owing to the amount of skilled work necessary in connection with the extension of the telephones and to the limited engineering staff available, the development of the system throughout the country in any one year must necessarily be restricted. It is hoped however, to consider further extensions to other places in Connaught during the next financial year.