asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when the new exchange in Ballyboden, Dublin 16, will be operational; the number of lines which will then be available for the first time in the following areas: (i) Knocklyon, Templeogue; (ii) Firhouse; and (iii) Ballyboden; and whether these new lines will be sufficient to meet all the outstanding applications for service in these areas.
Written Answers. - Telephone Service.
170.
It is expected that a new 7,000-line telephone exchange at Ballyboden will be operational in about six months time, but this forecast may be affected if the industrial action currently in progress by the contractor's staff is prolonged. The new exchange will have adequate capacity to enable service to be provided for all existing applicants in the exchange area which encompasses the areas mentioned. Provision of service is, however, subject also to the availability of cables.
171.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that a company (details supplied) has laid off six workers because they are unable to get telephone service at their new premises; when he expects to be in a position to extend telephone service to them; and if he is satisfied with the manner in which their application has been dealt with.
I am not so aware. It has not been possible to meet this application because cabling work has to be done before service can be given and because of the volume of other work to be done, this job could not be attended to. It is expected this work will be carried out and service provided within the next three months or so.
172.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when a person (details supplied) in Dublin, who has applied for a telephone service on medical grounds, will receive service.
In the second half of this year, when the necessary cabling work has been done.
173.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when a telephone service will be provided for a person (details supplied) in Dublin.
Service is dependent on the provision of cable. Because of the volume of engineering work requiring attention in the Dublin area at present it is unlikely that this work will be carried out for at least another year.