To ask the Postmaster-General whether it is his intention to make representations to the Marconi Company for the introduction of a specially cheap radio night letter rate to Canada from the Clifden Station when that station is reopened, and whether this station may not also be induced to extend its ordinary services direct to the United States; further, whether all necessary steps will be taken to give Dublin a direct and rapid service with Clifden.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - CLIFDEN WIRELESS STATION.
As the Deputy is already aware, the Clifden Wireless Station was, on more than one occasion recently, the target for Irregular activities, resulting in considerable demolition of highly technical instruments, the replacement of which must necessarily take some time. I understand that work is now in progress in this direction. The usual channel of communication with Clifden from its London base is by an overland wire passing through Dublin. This wire has been constantly cut in the Connemara district, and until normal conditions obtain there is little hope of the resumption of services. The Clifden Wireless Station has hitherto worked to Canada, and the rate for transmission by this route is somewhat lower than that of the cables. The value of extending this means of communication, consequently, to the United States direct is a matter of much importance to the commercial community of this country, and representations to this end have already been made to the Marconi Company. In the event of the restoration of this medium the question of cheap night letter rates will then come up for consideration.