asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the number of applications received byhis Department for the installation of telephones and on the waiting list and the cause of the delay in providing the citizens with telephone facilities, and if he expects an improvement in supplies in the early future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Installations.
Mr. Boland
There were approximately 4,850 applicants awaiting telephones at the end of last month, compared with 6,400 in March, 1951.
The delay in meeting applications for telephone service is due to the arrears of work which accumulated during the war years and to the fact that attention to improving minor trunk circuits and carrying out adequate renewals and maintenance was established as a priority for the year 1952 and the present year. The installation of public call offices of greater importance to the community as a whole increased in 1952 by 235 per cent. over the 1950 period. The waiting list is already being steadily reduced and improvement in the rate of connection is being constantly aimed at.
The number of telephones installed in 1952—7,234—was an all time record.