asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the number of applications he has received for new telephones in the Rathmines township for the six months ending the 31st March last; also the number of new subscribers added during this period, and the number still awaiting connections in this area on the date mentioned.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - RATHMINES TELEPHONE SERVICE.
The telephone area served by the Rathmines Exchange comprises practically the whole of the Rathmines urban district. The number of waiting applicants for exchange lines in that area on the 1st October, 1927, was 53, and the number of additional applications received during the next six months was 89, making a total of 142. In that period of six months, 82 subscribers' agreements were accepted, 71 of whom have been provided with service, and 11 lines are in course of erection. The number of outstanding applications on the 31st of March last was, therefore, 60. There is difficulty at present in providing lines for new subscribers in the Rathmines area owing to the want of spare wires in the underground cables and to the facts that the spare equipment in the Exchange is very limited and that the existing building does not afford room for extension. Proposals are under consideration for the erection of a new Exchange and steps have been taken for the laying down of additional cables.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that great dissatisfaction prevails in this area as a result of the conditions which obtain there, and will he see that a special effort is made to provide additional 'phones at the earliest possible moment.
I am not aware that there have been expressions of dissatisfaction, but I accept the Deputy's word that that is the case. The number of telephones is restricted by the exigencies of the accommodation at the Rathmines Exchange. Plans are ready for the extension of that Exchange. Until the Exchange is extended, it will not be possible for us to meet fully the claims of the inhabitants of the Rathmines district. We will proceed with the utmost expedition in order to meet their requirements.