asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he has received reports from two local doctors concerning the necessity for the erection of a telephone kiosk in the Belmont area of Cobh; and, if so, whether he has yet decided on the erection of the kiosk.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Kiosk for Cobh Area.
I have received a communication from the Cobh Urban District Council forwarding copies of reports in this matter from the doctors referred to, indicating that a public telephone at Belmont would be useful for summoning medical aid when required. This is, of course, true of all districts without telephones at hand.
As I explained to the Deputy in my reply to his question of the 22nd November, 1950, the erection of a third telephone kiosk at Cobh would not be warranted having regard to the existing facilities in the town, and I regret that it is not possible to modify the decision already conveyed in the matter.
I take it that the Minister is aware of this particular area and that he has got the medical officers' reports of the difficulties that are there. This is what may be called an extended area which has been built up over the last few years. Those living in slum areas in Cobh have been moved out to this area. That means that you have there a large number of women and children. If they require medical or any other kind of aid they have no means of getting it except by rushing down through the town and looking for it. I think that, under these circumstances, it is the duty of the Minister to provide a kiosk there immediately.
Cobh is in a more fortunate position than many other towns. It has two kiosks and four call offices at the present time, while in other districts there are no telephones at all.
Is the Minister aware that these kiosks are down in the main street of the town near the beach? There is no kiosk, however, in the area to which these people have been shifted. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I propose, with the permission of the Chair, to raise this matter on the Adjournment.