asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs how many applicants are awaiting telephones in County Wexford, and the period which will elapse before such applicants are serviced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford Telephone Applicants.
38.
There are about 220 applications from the area in question. It is hoped to clear the bulk of them within the next 12 months.
39.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when Patrick O'Sullivan, Pallas, Inch, County Wexford, who applied for a telephone over two years ago, will receive service.
The application in question is one of two in the same area involving abnormal construction work which cannot be undertaken until substantial progress has been made on urgent trunk work. I am not in a position to say at this stage when service will be provided.
Could the Minister indicate if the applicant in question is likely to have to wait a further two years?
I cannot say how long but I can tell the Deputy that the applicant's premises are two and a half miles distant from the nearest Exchange, that over two miles of new pole route would have to be provided, that two miles of double wire would have to be erected and that the cost would be over £400. I would also inform the Deputy that another person who applied in October, 1960, lives one and a half miles farther away from the exchange and that both of these applications would have to be catered for at the same time. To provide for the latter applicant we would have to erect three miles of new pole route and the provision of telephones for these two applicants would cost over £1,000.
If I am prepared to say that I can guarantee three or four more applications for telephones in the area would the Minister be prepared to meet me?
I would prefer to see the Post Office Engineering Branch going ahead with the provision of telephones which are easier to install and where they will be installed in greater numbers, rather than have the time of the Branch taken up providing for long lines.
Surely each citizen has an equal right in the State?
The Deputy must take into consideration that applications for new phones are coming in at an accelerated rate and that unless the connection rate is also accelerated, the list of people waiting for telephones will continue to mount.
This man has been waiting for three years.
Put more men on the job.