asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that the postal services in West Cork have deteriorated to such a degree of late that it takes a letter four days to get from one end of the constituency to another; and, if this is attributable to the late and irregular arrival of the trains at Bantry and Skibbereen and to a carelessness in the rural distributions radiating from these centres, whether the Minister will take steps to co-ordinate and speed up the deliveries and dispatch of mails from those towns.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Postal Services.
I am aware that the postal services generally in the Bantry and Skibbereen districts have been unsatisfactory but this has been due solely to the restricted and irregular train services. Recent changes have, however, been made which will ensure that correspondence posted at Bantry for Skibbereen up to 2.15 p.m., and at Skibbereen for Bantry up to 2.30 p.m. will secure delivery at destination on the following morning, in both town and rural districts. This is the utmost improvement possible in existing transport conditions.
Is the Minister aware that it takes four days to take a letter from Bantry to Kinsale, a distance of only 60 miles?
It has to go by rail, in any case.
It is an extraordinary thing that it should take four days to travel 60 miles.
I would like to have evidence from the Deputy that any letter took four days and I will have it inquired into.
Thank you.