asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he has received a resolution from the Cork County Council protesting against recent changes made by the postal authorities whereby a delay is caused in the delivery of mails in Rosscarbery, Leap, Union Hall and Schull districts; if he is aware that letters posted any day after 10 o'clock a.m. in Ballydehob for Schull—four miles distant—will not be delivered in Schull until two days later; and if he will state what steps he is proposing to take to remedy this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mail Deliveries in West Cork.
I have received representations, not only from the Cork County Council, but also from Deputies of all Parties in the House, in relation to the mail arrangements at the places mentioned. So far at Leap, Union Hall and Schull are concerned, the motor services previously operative had to be discontinued owing to the difficulties of the petrol situation, a matter over which, of course, the Post Office has no control. Correspondence may be posted at Ballydehob up to 9.15 a.m. for delivery at Schull next morning.
In the case of Rosscarbery, a suitable contractor could not be secured for the Clonakilty-Rosscarbery mail car service at reasonable cost when the contract became vacant early this year. The existing arrangements for service via Skibbereen had, accordingly, to be introduced and, while the morning delivery at Rosscarbery is now about an hour and a half later than formerly, the afternoon despatch at 2.40 p.m. is maintained and an additional despatch to Skibbereen at 8.50 p.m. has been provided. The latter despatch secures connection with the 8 a.m. train from Skibbereen to Cork next morning. This additional facility should, it is considered, more than compensate for any disadvantages arising out of the later morning delivery.
I have carefully considered the general position, and I am satisfied that the present arrangements at all the places concerned afford reasonable postal facilities in existing transport conditions, especially when the necessity for ensuring that outgoing mails secure connection with the night mail train to Cork is borne in mind. So far as the information at my disposal indicates, any improvements that might be practicable could only be carried out at undue cost.
Is the Minister aware that letters posted four miles away after 10 o'clock will not be delivered in Schull until two days later? I may mention that is the position and that state of affairs has given rise to great dissatisfaction. I think some steps should be taken to remedy matters. Is the Minister aware that even under British rule the mail car carried the mails over this route and the letters were delivered daily?
At the present time letters must be posted before 9.15 a.m.
I am aware of that, but the Minister must be aware that letters would not be posted before 9 o'clock in the morning.
If you miss the post, what can you do?