asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the plans he has for development of the new telephone services in County Donegal.
Written Answers . - County Donegal New Telephone Services .
159.
: It is expected that the Letterkenny, Bridgend, Carrigans, Castlefinn, Convoy, Dunfanaghy, Falcarragh, Killygordon, Milford, Newtowncunningham, Raphoe, Rathmullan and St. Johnston telephone exchanges will be converted to automatic working next year. Current plans provide also for conversion of the following exchanges, a number of which are expected to be completed in 1980:
Buncrana, Linsfort, Ballygorman, Carndonagh, Moville, Manorcunningham, Lifford, Fahan, Inch, Carrigart, Downings, Dungloe, Doochary, Bunbeg, Gweedore, Burtonport, Annagry, Glenties, Ardara, Donegal, Laghy, Ballintra, Inver, Glencolumbkille.
The remaining exchanges will be converted as soon as practicable but reliable estimates of completion dates cannot be given at this stage.
The main trunk network will be expanded next year by provision of a microwave link from Letterkenny to Sligo and an underground cable from Bridgend to Derry. Additional circuits will be provided as necessary on minor routes.