asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the serious delay in clearing telephone calls through Mayo exchanges; and if he will take the necessary steps to remedy this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Telephone Calls.
1.
I am aware that there is fairly heavy delay at times on calls through Ballina exchange, but normally there is little or no delay on calls through the other main exchanges in the county. The number of trunk circuits serving Ballina is inadequate for the volume of traffic offering at peak periods and in addition the main route to Sligo is subject to frequent interruptions. This situation will be rectified when the laying of a co-axial trunk cable from Athlone to Claremorris, Castlebar and Ballina, which is now in progress, is completed next year. In the meantime, every effort will be made to maintain a satisfactory service on the existing circuits.