asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether, in view of the fact that there is a delay of about one year between ordering and delivery of additional exchange equipment, arrangements have now been made to order equipment far enough in advance to ensure that the existing delay in the provision of lines to new subscribers and transfer of lines for present subscribers will no longer occur.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exchange Equipment.
98.
It is normal practice to order exchange equipment far enough in advance to avoid having to delay provision of service for new or removing subscribers. However, before the equipment is ordered such matters as availability of accommodation to house the equipment, provision of ancillary plant in other exchanges and availability of capital must be cleared. Site and building problems in connection with the extension of existing exchanges or provision of new ones can take years to resolve because most sizeable exchanges are sited or need to be sited in built-up areas. In short, arrangements to ensure the availability of exchange plant involve, in many cases, planning and entering into commitments years before the actual requirements arise. In the case of the Ballsbridge exchange building, for example, the site inquiries were initiated in 1963.