asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the unsatisfactory facilities prevailing in regard to trunk calls to Gorey, County Wexford; and if in view of the importance of the district from an agricultural and tourist angle he will take steps to have the situation remedied forthwith.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Trunk Calls to Gorey.
10.
I am aware that some delay on calls in the Gorey area arises during busy periods. Additional trunk lines would be required to eliminate all delays and the question of providing these is being considered in conjunction with trunk requirements of adjoining areas and of the district generally.
As I know the position, there is no direct line to Gorey; we have to go through Enniscorthy. Does the Minister not consider that Gorey, which has a substantial tourist potential and is a strong agricultural centre, merits a direct line?
At the present time there is a main trunk scheme to cater for Enniscorthy by radio link with Waterford and Wexford and when that link is put in operation it will relieve the situation in so far as trunk calls to Gorey are concerned.
But we shall not have a direct line. I may tell the Minister that I was told I would have to wait two hours to get a call through to Gorey.
The information I have is that the delays are not so long. There are delays of 15 minutes on one portion of the route served through Gorey and, pending the main scheme, whatever minor reliefs are practicable will be given in this area.
I do not want to importune the Minister unnecessarily but I should like to tell him that it was in Bray I was told I would have to wait two hours for a call to Gorey, which is only 30 miles away. There must be something seriously wrong.