asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when the equipment necessary to provide extension of phone services in Kildare town, Newbridge, Naas and Athy, County Kildare will be provided.

(Dublin South-Central): By mid-1980 at Kildare, Newbridge and Athy, and 1981 at Naas.

Is the Minister aware that the waiting period in those towns is estimated by Post Office officials to be at least two years? Knowing such estimates, that probably means four years. In my constituency there is no possibility of new phones for two years or more.

(Dublin South-Central): A mobile exchange having 1,000 lines will go into service in Athy in mid-1980. Interim relief will be provided by a second mobile exchange in Naas, also having 1,000 lines and coming into service in mid-1980. Interim relief is being provided pending the building of exchanges.

Will this interim relief meet the current demand, never mind the demand which will exist by mid-1980?

(Dublin South-Central): One thousand lines will be provided and this is very substantial. In September 1979 the number of applications in Kildare was 65; Newbridge, 360; Naas, 190; and Athy, 60. There should not be any problems when the mobile exchanges are in operation.

13.