§ MR. O'SHEE (Waterford, W.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether, as the telephone trunk line has been constructed to Fermoy, he will consider the desirability of extending it from there through Lismore, Cappoquin, and Dungarvan to Waterford, in view of the commercial interests to be served, particularly of Dungarvan.
§ (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) An extension of the telephone system to Fermoy has not yet been authorised, but I hope to carry out the work if a guarantee can be obtained. As a new route from the south-west of Ireland to Waterford, through Mallow and Tipperary, has just been completed, there does not seem to be an immediate demand for another outlet from Waterford. I recently offered to extend the trunk service to Youghal, under guarantee, and if this scheme is carried out it may be more convenient to serve Dungarvan from Youghal than from Fermoy. A further guarantee would be necessary for this line. Until schemes for Youghal and Fermoy have been settled I cannot make proposals for serving the other places referred to in the Question.