asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (a) the number of telephone booths in Dublin in each of the past four years, (b) the number damaged in each of these years, (c) the cost of repairing them and (d) what action is being taken to prevent vandalism and to protect telephone booths in the city.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Telephone Kiosks.
149.
The information is as follows:
|
(a) 1968 |
483 |
|
1969 |
495 |
|
1970 |
503 |
|
1971 |
508 |
(b) The number damaged in each year is not readily available.
(c) Year ended 31/3/1968 estimated at £3,250.
Year ended 31/3/1969 estimated at £5,550.
Year ended 31/3/1970 estimated at £8,450.
Year ended 31/3/1971 estimated at £12,800.
Replacement of the small glass panes by large sheets of plastic material has reduced the incidence of structural damage to kiosks. About 250 of the Dublin kiosks have already been modified in this way. Various measures have been taken to protect coin-boxes including bolting them to steel plates fitted to the back of the kiosk structure and reinforcing the coin-box itself. Manufacture of a stronger coin-box is being explored.
I have stated previously in the House that the incidence of vandalism to telephone kiosks is a problem in most countries and no satisfactory solution has been found. The inculcation of a greater sense of civic responsibility towards public property generally, particularly among young people, would contribute towards a solution of the problem.
Could the Minister say how many prosecutions in respect of the wanton damage to these kiosks have been taken?
I have no information as to the number but I will find out and communicate with the Deputy.
Would the Minister not agree that where prosecutions are taken against juveniles, some effort should be made to recover the cost of repairing the damage from the parents?
It is something which certainly should be borne in mind.
It is the only way to stop it.
This is a major problem which reflects very much on the town of Dublin, but with the numbers of public phone boxes that are damaged and the frequency of the vandalism, surely it should be easy to detect those responsible? They must be out night and day to do this kind of damage.
They are doing it and the figures prove it, unfortunately. I will communicate with the Deputy on the number of prosecutions.