asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether a telephone cable was laid outside 160-170 Stillorgan Road, Dublin in autumn, 1964; if so, whether permission was received from Dublin Corporation; if payment was made to the Corporation for the reinstatement of the surface subsequent to the laying of the cable; and, if so, how much.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laying of Dublin Telephone Cable.
36.
The answer to the first two parts of the question is "Yes". Concerning reinstatement, the work was done partly by Dublin Corporation and partly by Dublin County Council, in each case as portion of an order covering a considerably larger section. The payments made on foot of the orders were £127 6. 9. and £66 3. 8. respectively.
Is the Minister aware that Dublin Corporation have informed adjoining householders that they own no part of the property on which the Department of Posts and Telegraphs laid the cable? Having regard to this disclosure, will the Minister now consider asking the Corporaation to hand back the money they improperly obtained from his Department?
They may not own the property, but as the Deputy is aware, permission in these matters is regulated by the future planning of the Corporation. In cases in which road widening is anticipated we are obliged to keep back further than the existing road margin.
Can the Minister say whether the concreting of or putting tarmacadam on the excavation was included in the sum of £127 6. 9., because if it was the work has not been done? The hole has been filled in with mud and stones.
I would not be sure whether it is included or not. I imagine the reinstatement of the surface may not be permanent if further work is anticipated in the near future.
Is the Minister in a position to say when this work is anticipated? At present the householders are holding the Minister and his Department responsible for the filthy condition of the pavement. It now appears the Minister has paid the price to have it properly reinstated but the adjoining occupiers are most indignant that between the Department, the corporation and apparently the county council adequate steps have not yet been taken to repave this place and put it in the condition it was before the cables were installed.
I think it is in a reasonably safe condition.
It might be safe but mud is being carried in and out of the houses.