Borrisoleigh automatic exchange
Conversion to automatic service was expected around mid-1983, with equipment installation scheduled to begin in late 1982. The Minister attributed the delay to equipment supplier Ericsson and undertook to ask whether the equipment could be delivered earlier.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when it is proposed to equip Borrisoleigh exchange, County Tipperary with automatic service.
Comment on this
Installation of equipment is scheduled to commence in the 4th quarter of 1982 and conversion to automatic working is expected about the middle of 1983.
Comment on this
Is the Minister of State aware that the building to house the automatic service has been completed? If so, why is he not proceeding with the plan to convert it to automatic service much earlier than 1983?
Comment on this
The Deputy has already had that information from the previous administration. He was given every reason why the Borrisoleigh station could not be converted until 1982-83.
Comment on this
The year 1982-83 is not very far away. I will assure the House that if we say it will be 1983 it will be 1983 and not later than 1983.
Comment on this
Arising from the co-operation that I had from the previous administration, the building of this automatic service proceeded and is now completed. It is because the building is completed that I am now asking the Minister to proceed with providing the automatic service. If the Minister is unable to do that, would he consider an interim arrangement whereby people demanding telephones in that area could be facilitated?
Comment on this
The problem is not with the building of the telephone exchange but with the supply of equipment for it. Ericssons have a very heavy schedule. I would refer the Deputy to the information he received. The possibility of giving a higher priority to Borrisoleigh was considered earlier this year but because of the dispute which stopped the installation programme for the best part of two months this proved impossible. The decision is therefore not with the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. Ericssons have been unable to provide the telephone exchange equipment.
Comment on this
The final part of my previous supplementary was whether the Minister had any interim arrangement whereby he could meet the demand in that area prior to 1983.
Comment on this
I will undertake to get in contact with Ericssons to see if they could supply the automatic exchange equipment earlier than the date they have now listed. I will do that as soon as possible.