asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what provision has been made to repair the cable to Boffin Island or to provide an alternative means of communication.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - BOFFIN ISLAND CABLE.
As stated in the reply to the Deputy's question of the 10th November last on the same subject, the repair of the submarine cable connecting Inishbofin and the mainland could only be effected by a specially equipped cable ship. The Department has no such vessel, and the cost of chartering one would be very heavy.
A scheme for serving both Inishbofin and Clare Island by wireless telephony has been authorised, but its introduction is being deferred pending experience of the working of a similar undertaking between Arranmore Island (Donegal) and Burtonport on the mainland.
Wireless communication was established between Arranmore and Burtonport on the 10th February, and the service has so far been maintained without interruption. Sufficient time has not, however, elapsed to enable a definite opinion to be formed as regards the reliability of radio telephone instruments of the type used, and it is essential therefore to await further experience before proceeding with the installations at Inishbofin and Clare Island.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this cable was broken during the time the British were here—that it was broken in this Island of Boffin—and that they never required a specially equipped cable-ship to repair it?
That may be so, but it depends on where the cable was broken. My information is that this cable is broken in deep water, and that to get at it we would require a specially equipped cable-ship.