asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the urgent need for a public telephone for the townlands of Mullinamina and Gortnasillagh, Glenties, County Donegal; and, if so, if he will have a public telephone kiosk installed there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Kiosks.
3.
The answer to both parts of the question is no. A kiosk in this area would have no prospect of being used sufficiently to justify its provision.
Is the Minister aware that if we are to retain people in rural Ireland, we must give them at least some amenities, and that the telephone is now recognised as one of the essential amenities in any such area? In view of that, will he reconsider his decision and give this locality a telephone? This centre is a tourist resort.
A similar case could be made for a huge number of areas.
Why not give them all telephones?
The particular case that could be made here is exceptionally weak.
4.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that the people of Letterbrone, Aclare, County Sligo have been without telephone communications for about one year and that the nearest doctor is about five miles away, the nearest veterinary surgeon 12½ miles away and the nearest priest about five miles away; and if he will recommend that a kiosk be erected in Letterbrone, as both poles and wires are already there.
I am aware that a private telephone in the area was ceased in October last. I will be glad to arrange immediate attention to any application to take over the ceased line, but I am afraid that the use likely to be made of a kiosk would not be nearly sufficient to warrant its provision.