asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the large number of applications for telephones which has accrued in the Arklow area of County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Telephone Service.
125.
There are over 100 waiting applications for telephones in the Arklow Exchange area at present. It is expected that about 40 of the longest outstanding applications will be attended to in the current year and the great majority of the balance next year after installation of additional exchange equipment, expected to be completed late this year. In addition, priority applications will be attended to as early as practicable after receipt.
126.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of applicants awaiting telephone services in Cork city; and the steps he is taking in the matter.
Additional equipment has recently been brought into service and work is still under way in extending underground plant throughout the area. It is expected that about 400 of the waiting applications will be met during the next three to four months, a further 450 by the end of this year, and the balance during 1977 and 1978. These figures are in addition to priority applications which are normally attended to within a few months of application.