asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the urgent demand for adequate electric power at Cahirciveen and the surrounding districts; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that an inexhaustible supply of turf is available at Cahirciveen, Ballinskelligs and Portmagee, he will take immediate steps to establish a generating station in the area referred to.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Electricity Supply.
The construction of a turf-burning generating station in South Kerry is not included in the present programme of the Electricity Supply Board. I understand that both the Electricity Supply Board and Bord na Móna see considerable practical difficulties in the proposal.
The construction of a generating station and the supply of adequate power to the area are separate questions. Apart from present temporary difficulties affecting electricity supplies generally, the Electricity Supply Board will be able to meet all the requirements of the area.
In view of the existing problem in the Cahirciveen area with regard to the provision of electric power, would the Minister see his way to querying again the Electricity Supply Board authorities on this matter?
If there is any difficulty in meeting the demand for electric power in the area, apart from the difficulties which are generally present, I will be very glad to have the matter brought to my attention.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the present position with regard to the proposed rural electrification scheme for Beaufort and Listry, County Kerry, and the likelihood of the scheme being put into operation in the near future.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that an official canvass of the Beaufort area (including Listry) is at present being carried out and it is expected that the results will be available in time for the area to be considered by the board for selection for development towards the end of this year. It is not possible at this stage to indicate whether the area will qualify for selection.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the present position with regard to the Milltown, County Kerry, rural electrification scheme and when it is likely to be put into operation.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the Milltown area has been considered for selection by the board on a number of occasions, but has been rejected as the ratio of fixed charge revenue to capital cost is low. A further more intensive canvass is now being made over an extended area in an effort to secure a better financial return and the position of the area will again be considered in the light of the results of the further canvass.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the present position with regard to the installation of a rural electrification scheme for the Kilgarvan-Kenmare area.
I am advised by the Electricity Supply Board that an official canvass has been completed in the Kilgarvan-Kenmare area, that the network required to supply the householders has been designed and costed, and that the area will be considered for selection by the board towards the end of the year on the basis of the ratio of fixed charge revenue to capital cost. It is not, of course, possible at this stage to indicate whether the area will qualify for selection when next considered by the board.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what progress has now been made in connection with the proposal to erect a hydro-electrical plant near Waterville, County Kerry, and if he will give an outline of the scheme proposed to be put into operation.
Investigation by the Electricity Supply Board of the feasibility of a hydro-electric development of the River Cummeragh near Waterville, County Kerry, has not passed beyond the preliminary stage and no scheme has been prepared.