asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that grave inconvenience is caused to the business community in Sligo and Ballina, due to the absence of telephonic communication between Skreen and Beltra Post Office, in the barony of Tireragh, Co. Sligo, and whether in view of the fact that a distance of only four miles separates these Post Offices he will have them connected telephonically.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Co. Sligo Telephonic Facilities.
The Minister is not aware that grave inconvenience has been experienced as a result of the non-existence of telephonic connection between Skreen and Beltra. As was explained to the Deputy by letter on the 28th November last, the linking up of these places telephonically would involve heavy expense, and would be out of all proportion to the revenue likely to be derived from calls. The Minister would, therefore, not be justified in authorising the connection.
Has the Minister not already received representations from a number of business people in Sligo, Easkey and Ballina to have this line linked up telephonically?
Will the President note that a good deal of expense is caused by sending messages around a very circuitous route, and that most of this route is covered by the telephone, but that there is a gap of four miles? Would the President bring that matter to the notice of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs?
I understand that the capital expense involved would be something about £400, and that the revenue would not exceed £4 per annum.