§ MR. MURPHYI beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the National Telephone Company were ready two years ago to open a telephone exchange in Killarney, but that, in consequence of the influence of the local postmaster, the urban council and the intending subscribers transferred their support to the Post Office on the understanding that the Post Office would at once provide the necessary accommodation; whether he is aware that the absence of such accommodation is much felt by the thousands of tourists who visit, as well as residents in, Killarney; and whether he can now make any statement on the subject.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONThe chief difficulty and cost in giving a telephone service to Killarney has been the necessity for the construction of a trunk line of about forty miles in length and not the establishment of a local telephone exchange. The proposals made by the National Telephone Company in 1904 related only to the establishment of a local exchange, and unfortunately their action prevented the acceptance of terms offered by the Post Office for the connection of Killarney with the trunk wire system as well as for a local service. I am glad to be able to say, however, that the construction of a trunk line to serve Killarney is in hand, and as my hon. friend is aware I have given special instructions that the work shall be pressed forward as rapidly as possible. Negotiations with the National Telephone Company are also in progress for the connection of Killarney with their exchange at Tralee, and I hope that a satisfactory arrangement will soon be come to in the matter.