asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the location of and the area covered by the switching equipment for telephones in southeast Meath commencing with 255, 259, 256 and 250; if he is aware of the rapidly increasing number of telephones in this area, and that subscribers are experiencing great difficulty in getting a dial tone to enable them to make a call; and if he will arrange as a matter of urgency to install additional switching equipment and junction cables to improve service in this area.
Written Answers. - Telephone Service.
144.
Telephones in the four number ranges referred to are connected to automatic exchanges at Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin, Ratoath and Ashbourne respectively which serve these centres and the surrounding districts. I am aware of the increasing number of telephone subscribers in these areas and also that subscribers are experiencing service difficulties, particularly at Dunboyne and Ashbourne.
The existing exchange at Dunboyne which is of an old type is being replaced by a larger exchange. Work on the installation of this exchange will commence shortly and it is expected to be in service by April, 1973. A major cable to Dunboyne will be completed before the end of this year.
A new larger exchange is also being provided at Ashbourne and is expected to be in service by the middle of next year. A major cable to Ashbourne is expected to be in service by about October, 1973.
Extensions to the existing exchanges at Dunshaughlin and Ratoath are on order and are expected to be in service by mid-1974. Additional circuits for both exchanges will be provided next year.
145.
andMr. Malone asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in the light of the recent census and of population forecasts which indicate a rapidly increasing population he has made any overall assessment of the need for additional exchange equipment in the various telephone exchanges serving County Meath in the period up to 1980; if so if he will indicate the likely date of installation of such equipment in each exchange for the remainder of the decade; and if he will arrange to have orders for such equipment placed well in advance, thereby minimising the bad service and restrictions on new connections which result from inadequate exchange equipment.
146.
andMr. Malone asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in the light of the recent census and of population forecasts which indicate a rapidly increasing population he has made any overall assessment of the need for additional exchange equipment in the various telephone exchanges serving County Kildare in the period up to 1980; if so if he will indicate the likely date of installation of such equipment in each exchange for the remainder of the decade; and if he will arrange to have orders for such equipment placed well in advance, thereby minimising the bad service and restrictions on new connections which result from inadequate exchange equipment.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.
It is settled practice to prepare forecasts at intervals of telephone equipment requirements. Changes of population are only one of the many factors taken into account. Regard is had also to national and local development prospects, to planned housing and factory growth and other relevant factors. My Department are continuously collecting information, through their postmasters, through contact with planning organisations, and by means of detailed surveys so that reliable forecasts of public demand may be made. The object is to ensure that within the limits of the resources available the equipment needed for the telephone service will be available in advance. It is not the practice to make regular assessments of the requirements of every individual exchange by reference specifically to a seven or eight year period ahead. The Deputies may take it that the over-all growth in the number of telephones expected by 1980 is approximately 125 per cent and growth of traffic is forecast at 160 per cent. In the case of large exchanges the objective aimed at is to design the exchanges or extensions approximately three or four years before they are needed. At that stage a decision is taken regarding the quantity and type of equipment to be ordered which should be sufficient to cater for demand for some years after installation is completed. The decision is subject to review if any unforeseen change occurs. For smaller exchanges it is better to decide quantities at a somewhat later stage.
In view of what I have said the Deputies will realise that it is not possible to supply the detailed information requested in the question in respect of the period from now to 1980. I can, however, assure them that within the limits of the resources made available to me, such additional orders as are required will be placed in good time for all equipment needed to cater for telephone development in Counties Meath and Kildare, as well as elsewhere.