asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the reason for the protracted delay in extending rural electrification to the Knockaderry area, County Limerick, in view of the fact that it was one of the first areas in the country to apply for the scheme and in view of the remarkable response of the householders in the area to the official canvassers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification Scheme.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that owing to the scattered nature of the houses in the Knockaderry area necessitating a proportionately long length of line per consumer the financial return has not so far been sufficiently good to ensure selection of the area.
It is understood, however, that the development of two adjoining areas recently decided on may enable the net works in those areas to be utilised in such a way as to reduce the capital cost of supplying the Knockaderry area. The area will be reconsidered in July, but it is not possible at this stage to say what the result may be.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when work on the rural electrification scheme at Ballinascarthy, County Cork, which has already been sanctioned by the Electricity Supply Board, will be under taken.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that it is hoped to start work on the Ballinascarthy area within the next few months.