asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of applications outstanding in respect of the installation of telephones; and if he is aware of the protracted delay experienced by citizens applying for either new installations or for the transfer of existing lines and the consequential adverse effect on the economic and social life of the community.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Service.
115.
At 30th September last the gross number of recorded applications for telephone lines was 37,500 approximately. Allowing for the normal proportion of cancellations, the effective waiting list is estimated at 32,500 applications. Some 8,500 of these are in course of being attended to.
Applications in certain categories including removals are accorded priority treatment.
I am, of course, fully aware of the position and I have already expressed my concern about it. It is not a problem that has developed recently nor one that can now be solved quickly. A greatly expanded telephone development programme is obviously needed. Deputies will have an opportunity of discussing this in connection with a new Telephone Capital Bill which I expect to introduce shortly.
116.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when new automatic telephone exchange facilities for subscribers in Tallaght, County Dublin will be available.
A new 20,000 line automatic telephone exchange at Tallaght is due to be opened with an initial installation of 4,000 lines by the end of June next.