asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when the Electricity Supply Board intend to proceed with the rural electrification of the congested areas in West Donegal, namely The Rosses, Gweedore and Cloghaneely.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electrification of County Donegal.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that their investigations regarding the rural electrification of the areas in West Donegal mentioned by the Deputy have shown that an extension of the scheme to these areas would be uneconomic, due principally to the high cost of a transmission line into this region. The matter is being kept under continuous review by the board in the light of the extension of the board's networks in the county. It is not, however, possible at this stage to give any indication as to when it may be feasible to give supply to West Donegal.
Does the Electricity Supply Board not operate any elasticity in this regard, particularly as there is a very substantial State subsidy for rural electrification? Would the Electricity Supply Board not be required not to regard the supply of electricity in rural areas purely on an economic basis?
I would like to be informed by the Deputy as to any board or firm that has a greater degree of elasticity than the Electricity Supply Board and as to any firm that is carrying out greater or more rapid ramifications; but there has to be a certain degree of priority.
Would the Minister suggest to the House what undertaking has a higher subsidy than £10,000,000 for this specific purpose?
The Minister is not here for the purpose of making suggestions to the House.
The Deputy is not here to give the Minister an example.
Will the Deputy become literate?