Vol. 328 No. 10
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if his Department contracted in any way or made any approach to anyone about the purchase of a site for a telephone exchange at Athenry, County Galway, prior to the purchase of the site where the exchange is now being built; and, if so, if he will give details.
215.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the cost to his Department of the site for the new telephone exchange at Athenry, County Galway; and the area of ground purchased.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.
A site purchased some years ago for an automatic telephone exchange in Athenry was found to be unsuitable due to developments which came to light after the site had been acquired. Eight alternative sites were considered. Of these, four were found to be unsuitable and three were not available. The remaining site, comprising 33 square perches, which was ideally situated being adjacent to the existing exchange, was purchased. It would be contrary to practice to disclose the price paid for it.
