asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when it is proposed to open the new post office at Shannon, County Clare.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Post Office.
52.
Mr. R. Burke
It is likely to be at least two years before the new office is provided.
Is the Minister aware that a year ago, by way of public announcement the Department stated that the starting date for the construction of this post office would be August 1974?
Mr. R. Burke
If the Deputy so informs me I will accept his statement.
That would be typical.
Is the Minister aware that this town has a population of more than 6,000 people and virtually no postal facilities?
Mr. R. Burke
As the Deputy knows the postal facilities require to be modified somewhat. There are three outlets in the town.
Is the Minister aware that the sub-post office which is servicing this new town consists of a few feet of counter in a chemist's shop?
Mr. R. Burke
Active consideration is being given to the provision of alternative means of providing improved counter service.
Would the Minister agree that a chemist's shop is a suitable place to site a post office as tranquillisers are easily available?
Is the Minister aware that this sub-post office is the dole paying centre at Shannon and that it is not capable of coping with the dole queues at present, not to mention the postal service?
Mr. R. Burke
The Department will make every effort to provide a good standard of post-office service in the area pending provision of the new post office.
The Minister has stated that it will be two years before any improvement is made. This is a new town, admittedly built under Fianna Fáil, with a population of more than 6,000 but there are no postal services available, not even facilities for drawing the dole.
Mr. R. Burke
I do not agree that there are no postal facilities.
Virtually none.
Mr. R. Burke
Virtually none is different to none.
A few feet of counter in a chemist's shop is the postal service for the people in Shannon.
Would the Minister for Education appeal to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs to pay more attention to his Department and not be going off on other frolics outside the scope of his Department and his competence?
Is the reason for the delay the fact that the Department have no money?
It is because the Department have not got a Minister.
Mr. R. Burke
The requirements of the area have been kept under regular review and when we make a final decision in regard to the matter it will be a good one.
The decision has been made.
Mr. R. Burke
In the meantime we will provide adequate postal services in the town. Two years is not a long period when one compares it with previous delays.