asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the number of applications he has received for new telephone connections during the last six months in the Clontarf and Drumcondra areas, respectively; how many of these applications have been granted, and how many still remain unsatisfied; and will he further state causes of the delay, as there is considerable dissatisfaction at long delays, particularly in the Drumcondra area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extending Telephone Service.
During the six months ended 31st ultimo sixteen applications were received for telephones in the Clontarf area. Service in all cases was duly provided. There is no difficulty is regard to the taking-on of subscribers in this area.
Thirty-two applications were received in the Drumcondra area, in addition to four already on the waiting list. Service has been provided in twenty-two of the cases, leaving fourteen still to receive attention.
The delay in Drumcondra has been due to the fact that no spare lines were available in the underground cables or at the Exchange, but arrangements for relief are being carried out, and it is expected that in the course of a month or so all applicants will have been provided for.
Does the parliamentary Secretary consider it reasonable to keep a business man in the Drumcondra area waiting for at least six months for a telephone connection?
I regret that any person in any area has been kept waiting so long for a telephone. As I pointed out in the answer to the Deputy's question, the difficulty is that we had not lines available in one or two exchange areas in the City. We will have these lines available at the earliest possible date and we will be able to provide applicants with telephones within a month or six weeks.