asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when the Kenmare, County Kerry telephone exchange will become automatic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Service.
71.
It is hoped that Kenmare telephone exchange will be converted to the automatic system in about four years time.
72.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will ensure that a reliable and efficient telephone and telex service will be available in the Droichead Nua area, County Kildare.
I am not aware of any general problem with the telephone and telex service in the Droichead Nua area, County Kildare.
I received one complaint recently in rather general terms from a firm in the area. This is currently being investigated and I will advise the Deputy in due course of the outcome.
Is the Minister aware that a textile factory, which is making earnest endeavours to get a foothold in markets abroad, has complained on two occasions recently to the Department that a customer in Holland tried for two days to get through to the Droichead Nua factory and was unsuccessful? This has happened ten times weekly on average. More recently still telex trouble was experienced between here and Toronto and extreme difficulty was experienced in trying to contact South Africa to which this firm has large exports. Would the Minister not agree that a company who export £1½ million worth annually and employ 200 people deserve better service than they are getting at the moment?
They should try Newbridge instead of Droichead Nua and they might get through.
On that supplementary question, I would be obliged to give a very long reply.
Write to him.
If the Deputy would be satisfied I can write to him and give him all the information.
Yes, write to me.
73.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if in view of the very substantial increase in population at Ballybrack, County Dublin, he will ensure that an adequate public telephone system is installed.
Ballybrack, County Dublin, is regarded as adequately served by the telephone kiosk in the village which is not extensively used. The provision of additional public telephone facilities in the area is not considered warranted at present.