asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what steps he proposes to take to meet the demand for telephones in Limerick.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Telephones in Limerick.
145.
The provision of new exchange lines in the Limerick exchange area, except those in priority classes, has had to be deferred pending extension of the exchange equipment there. The installation of additional equipment is due to be completed about July next and service will be provided for waiting applicants as soon as possible thereafter.
Does the Minister not consider a waiting period of between six and 12 months far too long for an important city like Limerick?
It is the provision of the exchange equipment that is creating the difficulty. The Department is doing everything it possibly can to get the equipment supplied to enable the engineers to put it in. Over the past few years, there has been a steep increase in the number of new lines connected in Limerick and the Department is doing everything it possibly can to increase the facilities available in the exchanges to carry the new lines.