asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware of the undue delays experienced by telephone users in the Fanad Peninsula, particularly during the tourist season; and, if so, whether he will endeavour to have an additional outlet line or lines provided at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Telephone Services.
Mr. Boland
The delays complained of have been mainly due to congestion on the route between Letterkenny and Sligo over which the bulk of the long-distance calls between North Donegal and the rest of the country is routed.
I am glad to say that delays on this route have been eliminated within the past few days by provision of 12-channel carrier equipment between Letterkenny and Sligo.
Delays between the Fanad Peninsula and Letterkenny are not serious but relief will be given as soon as circumstances permit.
I would point out to the Minister that the delays between Fanad and Letterkenny are very great.
Mr. Boland
The whole matter is having attention and will be dealt with, as the Minister says here, as soon as circumstances permit.
Would the Minister inquire of his colleague as to whether it is expedient to make this admirable additional provision for Donegal through Sligo, unless he makes effective provision between Dublin and Sligo? The delays on the line from Dublin to Sligo have been proverbial. They were to be remedied as soon as the new cable had been laid to Cork. Perhaps the Minister would inquire into it?
Mr. Boland
I will.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware of the very real need that exists for a public telephone kiosk in Stranorlar; and, if so, if he will endeavour to have such kiosk erected at an early date.
Mr. Boland
A kiosk has been provided recently at the Stranorlar end of Ballybofey within convenient reach of the residents of Stranorlar. The erection of a second kiosk in the district is being considered.
The kiosk which has been made available at the Stranorlar end of Ballybofey does not meet the needs. The post office is at the same end and the kiosk has been erected outside it. There is no kiosk on the Stranorlar side.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he will consider the erection of two or possibly three public telephone kiosks in Letterkenny which is inadequately serviced at present.
Mr. Boland
There is already one telephone kiosk at Letterkenny and acall office in the local post office. The provision of additional public telephone facilities at Letterkenny is not warranted at present.
The use being made of the existing kiosk and call office at Letterkenny is not such as would support a case for a second kiosk.
Is the Minister aware that new housing schemes have been added to Letterkenny at considerable distance from the present kiosk and from the post office? In view of that, will further consideration be given to erecting at least two more—one at each end of the town?
Mr. Boland
The information the Minister has is that not sufficient use is being made of the present kiosk to warrant putting up another one.
It is in the wrong place.
Mr. Boland
Ask them to shift it to a more convenient place.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he will consider having a public telephone kiosk erected at or near the Diamond, Milford.
Mr. Boland
The erection of a telephone kiosk at Milford would not be warranted by the use likely to be made of it.
The post office in this town, which is built on a very steep hill, is at the foot of the hill and while many of the users may be sprightly and feel like climbing the hill there are many not able to do so. There are not very many private telephones in that part of the town. The distance is about half a mile from one end of the town to the other. I think sympathetic consideration should be given to this.
Mr. Boland
I will pass that on to the Minister.