asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of days between 1st December, 1963, and 4th January, 1964, upon which there was partial or total disruption of the telephone service between Cork and Dublin or any other abnormality in the operation of the said service; and if he will make a statement in general terms on the reasons for such disruption and the possibility of future improvements in the service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork-Dublin Telephone Service.
96.
There was no total disruption, but serious partial disruption occurred on five days, and there were minor dislocations on three days, in the period mentioned.
The cause in each case was the interruption of service on the main coaxial cable, which was affected by power failures, blown fuses and damage sustained in connection with road works.
Every effort is made to anticipate and prevent such failures, and all faults that occur are attended to immediately, at any hour of the day or night.
Concerning future prospects, it is the intention to provide alternatives to all the main routes, but this will necessarily take a considerable time.