asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will list the exchanges at all sub-post offices which will be converted to the automatic telephone system within the next three years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Service.
31.
As the reply is in the form of a list, I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.
Following is the list:
List of telephone exchanges at sub-post offices which are expected to be onverted to the automatic system withi the next three years.
Abbeyfeale
*Araglin
*Ardlogher
*Arva
Bailieborough
*Ballinagh
*Ballinamult
*Ballingarry
*Ballybay
Ballybunion
*Ballycahill
*Ballyconnell
*Ballyduff
*Ballyhaise
*Ballyheelan
Ballyhooley
Ballymacarberry
Ballymacart
Ballymoney
Ballymurn
Ballynoe
Ballypatrick
*Beaufort
Bonmahon
*Borris-in-Ossory
Borrisokane
*Borrisoleigh
Bridgetown
Butlersbridge
*Cappagh
*Cappawhite
Cappoquin
Carrigallen
*Carnew
Castlelyons
Castletownshend
*Charlestown
Cleariestown
Clerihan
Cloneen
Cloughjordan
Cornafulla
*Crosskeys
*Crossmolina
Curracloe
Doogarry
Drimoleague
Drinagh
*Drombane
Dundrum (County Tipperary)
Edenderry
*Emyvale
*Farranfore
Fethard
*Foxford
*Foynes
Glanworth
*Glin
Golden
*Goleen
*Gooldscross
Hollyfort
*Inniscrone
Kenmare
Kilbeheny
Kill
*Killala
Killeshandra
Killorglin
Kilmanahan
*Kilnaleck
Kilsheelan
*Kiltimagh
Kilworth
Kingscourt
Knockbrett
Knockraha
Leap
Lettermore
Lettermullen
Lismore
Lisronagh
Maam
Miltown
Moyne
Murrintown
Newcastle
Oylgate
Pettigo
Rathcormac
*Rathdowney
*Rathkeale
Ring
*Schull
Shercock
Shillelagh
Shinrone
Sneem
*Stradone
*Swinford
Taghmon
Tarbert
Tallow
Tomhaggard
*Tullynahinera
*Upperchurch
* Provided that no undue difficulties are met in providing accommodation for auto equipment.
32.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when a telephone will be installed for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Towards the end of the year when it is expected that the necessary cable to provide service will be available. There is a heavy volume of engineering work in progress in Galway city at present.
33.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will provide a telephone kiosk at Park, Youghal, County Cork, as it is urgently required for calling medical and veterinary services in emergencies.
My Department are not at present providing telephone kiosks in areas such as Park where there is no post office.
34.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if it is proposed to provide a telephone kiosk at Grangebellew, Drogheda, County Louth; and, if so, when.
35.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will consider the erection of a telephone kiosk at Brandon, Tralee, County Kerry.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 34 and 35 together.
The use made by the public of the call office telephones in the sub-post offices at Grangebellew and Brandon. is not sufficient to warrant provision of a kiosk at either place at present.
Is the Minister aware that people of all shades of opinion are totally dissatisfied with the fact that there is no kiosk at Grangebellew? I am sure the Minister has had representations from various sources in regard to this kiosk.
Complaints have been made about the lack of privacy at the call office at Grangebellew. Unfortunately, a standard silence cabinet or an acoustic hood cannot be provided because of lack of space in the sub-office. The Togher Guild of Muintir na Tíre, and the Togher community council, have complained that the lack of privacy has contributed to the low user of the call office. This, and various other reasons, can be and are advanced to account for the low user of particular telephone call offices throughout the country. Apart from the difficulties of measuring the relative weight that might be given to such factors it is considered that the use made of the call office is generally the fairest and best basis for selecting places for inclusion of a kiosk.
In view of the representations made, and the case made in relation to the Grangebellew telephone, would the Minister not now consider providing a public kiosk?
I have some sympathy with the representations made, and with the Deputy, but the fact is that the creditable revenue on the call office is very low; it is just under £22 for a year. Other areas with higher use of the call office would be felt to have a prior claim.
The Minister has had reasons given to him for the low usage of the telephone.
I appreciate that and I shall keep the matter under review. I will be in touch with the Deputy.
36.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when is it intended to erect a telephone kiosk at Ardrahan, County Galway; and if it is intended to erect one at Labane, County Galway.
A kiosk was brought into service at Ardrahan, County Galway, on 26th March, 1974. My Department are not at present providing kiosks at places such as Labane where there is no post office.
37.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will provide a telephone kiosk at Cloughmore, Achill Sound, County Mayo.
No. It is planned, however, to provide a telephone kiosk this year at Derreens, about 1¾ miles away where the sub-post office serving the general area, including Cloughmore, is now located.
Is the Minister aware that because of the transfer of the post office from Cloughmore to Derreens the residents of Cloughmore, where there is a developing harbour, are losing an amenity which they enjoyed over a period of years? Is the Minister further aware that local residents in Derreens would be more satisfied to see the kiosk at Cloughmore because they now enjoy the privilege of a post office?
A number of representations have been made in connection with this matter but it is, of course, standard practice to locate a kiosk at or near the sub-post office and my Department saw no reason to depart from that.
38.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will consider the erection of a telephone kiosk at Blennerville, Tralee, County Kerry.
It is planned to provide a kiosk at Blennerville, Tralee, later this year.