asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the present position regarding the provision of a telephone service for the residents of the Black Valley, near Beaufort, County Kerry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Service.
29.
There has been no material change in the position since the Deputy previously raised the matter. The cost of providing telephone service in the valley would be extremely high and a public telephone could be provided only at very substantial loss. My Department provides subsidised public telephones only in rural areas where there is a sub-post office and then only if the subsidy involved is not likely to be heavy. There is, I regret, no prospect of a public telephone being provided in the area in question except under guarantee from a local authority or other suitable body against loss.