(Cavan) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state (a) the date on which the contract for the purchase of the Central Market Property, Cavan, as a site for a new post office and telephone exchange was signed; and (b) when it is proposed to commence the new building.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cavan Post Office.
27.
The answer to the first part of the question is "the 12th January, 1963." Plans for the new premises are being prepared but I cannot at this stage say when building operations will commence.
(Cavan): Is the Minister aware that the present postal and telephone services in Cavan, as far as buildings are concerned, are totally inadequate and that, since the Central Market Property was taken over by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, it constitutes a derelict site and an eyesore right in the centre of the town?
The site has been boarded up at the request of the urban council. While a couple of years may seem an undue delay, very rapid development expansion in telephone and postal services in the last couple of years necessitated a good deal of new thinking and planning.
(Cavan): Is the Minister further aware that the installation of the automatic exchange is being held up, pending the erection of the new building? Can the Minister give any indication as to when he thinks building operations will commence?
The delay is really due to providing accommodation for some of these things which may not have been foreseen at the time. I can assure the Deputy that when the plans are finalised, which I hope will be soon, there will be ample provision for a completely new and expanded service in the area.
(Cavan): May we take it that it may be years before the building starts?