asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in a case where it is necessary to erect a new pole route for telephone service, local authorities must give public wayleaves consent and comply with certain statutory requirements about advertising and waiting period; what the regulations are regarding consent; and what the statutory requirements are.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Pole Routes.
5.
The Department have a statutory right to place a pole route along a street or public road subject to the consent of the local authority concerned. If the local authority refuse to give their consent or fail to give it within 21 days, or attach to it conditions to which the Department object, the Department may, if other means of settlement fail, apply to the courts to determine the issue. In non-urban areas the Department must publish, in a local newspaper and also along the proposed route, notices of intention to erect the poles, and may not proceed with the work for at least 21 days after publication of the notices.
In view of the singular success of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs in getting the wayleaves they require through the admirable procedure laid down, would the Parliamentary Secretary suggest to the Minister for Transport and Power that the ESB might surrender the fantastic powers they have and accept instead the procedure accepted by the GPO?
That surely does not arise on this question.
It is very relevant to those who have to deal with the two bodies.
We are not too happy about it.
Do not follow the example of the ESB.