asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when he proposes to erect a public telephone kiosk at Kilcolgan Cross, Ferbane, County Offaly in view of the public demand for same.
Ceisteanna—Questious. Oral Answers. - Telephone Service.
64.
Provision of Kiosks in areas such as Kilcolgan Cross where there is no post office is not envisaged under the extended kiosk programme for rural areas.
This matter has come up in the House on quite a few occasions on questions similar to this. Can the Minister say what is the criterion on which a kiosk is provided in some places and is not provided in what appear to be similar places? Can the Minister outline what exactly are the regulations under which telephone kiosks are installed in different areas? I consider there certainly is a need for a public telephone at Kilcolgan Cross.
I am afraid I cannot agree with the Deputy's suggestion that there is need for a telephone kiosk at Kilcolgan Cross. It is a rural area with a population of about 30 people within a mile radius of the Cross. There is no village, as such, there at all. The nearest telephone kiosk, I understand, is in Ferbane, a little over a mile away. If the Deputy is anxious to get a copy of the departmental policy on the provision of telephone kiosks I will be only too glad to send him a copy of it. I have dealt with it on numerous occasions in the House arising out of questions by other Deputies.
Would the Minister be so good as to send me a copy please?
Certainly.