asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when work commenced on the building of Churchfield communications centre, Cork; when the installation of equipment began; and when the centre will be completed and opened.
37.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Telecommunications Centre.
36.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when the new Churchfield Telecommunications complex in Cork will be opened; and if he will give details of the facilities that will be provided by the new centre.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.
The main building contract was placed in May 1976, and building work commenced shortly afterwards. A telex exchange was brought into service in August 1981.
The first phase of the telephone project consists of a new trunk exchange. Installation began in November, 1979, and the exchange will be brought into service later this week. Over a period this exchange will provide improved facilities for dialling trunk calls directly. An operator centre will be ready for service by mid-1982 and a digital trunk and local exchange will be commissioned in late 1983.
The complex also includes office accommodation for engineering staff and this will be occupied during 1982.
Can the Minister assure us that the new facility in Churchfield will eradicate the long waiting list in the Hollyhill Industrial Estate and the housing estate there?
That is what is envisaged.