asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the report on the proposed rural electrification scheme for Milltown, County Kerry, has been forwarded to his Department; and if, in view of the urgency of the matter, he will consider the proposals at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
Mr. Flynn
Reports upon matters of internal administration of the Electricity Supply Board such as that referred to in the question are not made to my Department unless specifically called for.
The selection of areas for rural or other development is a matter for the board, but in this case I have ascertained from the board that the area was considered in July last, but was not selected owing to the low ratio of estimated total fixed charge revenue in the area to the estimated total capital cost of the necessary network. A re-canvass has, I am informed, since been carried out, and the area redesigned and costed, but the new ratio is not sufficiently good to justify the selection at present of the area for rural development.
Mr. Flynn
Is the Minister aware that the Electricity Supply Board already have a line running right through this area, and that that would tend to make the scheme more economical than it might be in other areas? Does the Minister consider that that is a factor which should exercise a predominating influence rather than the consideration of ratio?