(Cavan) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what progress has been made in the preparation of the plans for a new post office and automatic telephone exchange in Cavan town since a previous reply on this subject; and when it is proposed to start building operations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cavan Post Office and Telephone Exchange.
47.
Planning for the new post office and telephone exchange at Cavan is proceeding but it is too soon as yet to give an indication as to when building operations are likely to commence.
(Cavan): Having regard to the fact that the Minister told me on 5th May last that plans for the new premises were being prepared and that he could not at that stage say when building operations will commence, would he now say what progress, if any, has been made with the plans since 5th May last?
Following discussions with the architect, revised sketch plans were submitted to the Office of Public Works in November. These are being examined by the branches of the Departments of Posts and Telegraphs concerned. The Deputy will appreciate, I am sure, that the Department, in view of the high cost of buildings of this nature, will have to get the best possible value out of the site.
(Cavan): Is the Minister aware that this site was acquired in 1963 and that beyond boarding up the site, nothing has been done to start building? Could the Minister give me and the people of Cavan even a general indication of when building will commence?
In answer to that direct question as to the exact date when building will commence, I can tell the Deputy what has to be done and he can then make an assessment for himself. I cannot make it.
(Cavan): Has the Minister not got the experts who can help him make such an assessment?
Following the sketch plans stage, there is the preparation of working drawings, the appointment of a quantity surveyor, the invitation to tender and the placing of the contract. All these things have to be done first and I am unable to give the Deputy an assurance as to the exact time.
(Cavan): If any ordinary businessman handled his business in this way, buying a site in 1963 and leaving it there without doing anything concrete, his lifetime would be well in before the site was utilised.
The Deputy does not appreciate that the Department have to plan well in advance. They have to purchase sites well in advance when sites become available, though not in a position to begin building. The Department are engaged in a huge programme of construction work at the moment.
(Cavan): The Deputy is convinced and the people of Cavan are convinced that the Department have no money.
It is not a question of money or the unavailability of money. The Deputy must know that more money has been spent on telephone development during the past six years than ever before.