asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state when some extension of postal deliveries will be made in those rural areas still without a daily delivery of letters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Postal Deliveries.
On representations from other Deputies I undertook a careful examination of this problem and find that the additional cost involved in providing a six-day delivery in all rural areas where it is now less frequent would be very substantial and would not be justified, as the postal services in these areas would be operated without a prospect of making them self-supporting.
In the circumstances, I regret that I am unable to consider any general increase.
Individual applications for increased deliveries are treated on their merits where special conditions exist, such as an important local industry.
As the Minister has made inquiries, perhaps he could say what the cost would be of the general restoration of a daily delivery?
I may say that 70 per cent. of the recipients of letters in rural areas are now getting a daily delivery, in all parts of the country. It would cost £72,000 to give a daily delivery all over the country.