asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the delay of over one year in providing a telephone to a Dublin businessman (name supplied); and if, in view of the serious loss and inconvenience caused, he will arrange to supply this service immediately.
Written Answers. - Telephone Service.
61.
The answer to the first part of the question is yes. Service cannot, I regret, be given in this and other similar cases in the area immediately. It will be provided early next year after a scheme to relieve shortage of underground plant has been completed.
62.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when it is proposed to make telephone services to the following areas automatic: Portumna, Woodford, Gort and Loughrea, County Galway.
It is expected that Loughrea exchange will be converted to automatic working early next year and Portumna and Gort in about three to four years' time. It is not possible at present to say when Woodford will be converted.
63.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will now sanction the provision of a telephone kiosk at Ardnageeha, Charleville, County Cork in view of the demand.
Kiosks are not being provided in rural areas such as Ardnageeha where there is no post office.
64.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will now restore the letterbox at Pike Cross, Ballyhea, County Cork.
The position remains as stated in the reply which I gave on 4th July, 1973, to a previous similar question from the Deputy. The existing posting facilities in the general area are considered adequate.