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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Nov 1962

Vol. 197 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arranmore Island (Donegal) Telephone Service.

53.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will ensure a twenty-four hour telephone service to Arranmore island, County Donegal during the period of the winter herring fishing.

A 24-hour service is provided for certain telephones on Arranmore Island but not on all lines because the number of subscribers does not warrant continuous exchange attendance. This could be provided subject to recoupment of the extra cost by the subscribers concerned. It should, alternatively, be possible for fishing interests to make a suitable local arrangement, using the existing facilities, for making calls after normal exchange hours.

I appreciate the Minister's difficulty in the matter but this is a very rugged outpost on the north-western seaboard and, particularly during the herring season, boats are unable to return to their home port and the occupants are immediately anxious to contact their relatives and inform them of their position. Would the Minister inform subscribers on the island what would be the additional charge for a period, say, during the fishing season, per subscriber and endeavour to do that as soon as possible?

I shall do that.

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