asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will recommend to the Electricity Supply Board that a further re-examination of the question of bringing rural electrification service to the districts of Touraneena and Ballinamult, County Waterford, should be carried out, in view of the fact that it will facilitate, as well as the ordinary residents, the creameries in Ballinamult, Scart and Ballymacarbery and enable them to avail of the current for these important industries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification in County Waterford.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the Ballinamult rural area, which includes Touraneena, was considered for selection in May, 1951, with other areas in the Waterford district. The ratio of fixed charge revenue, however, did not compare favourably with that of other areas due mainly to the high percentage of householders—46 per cent.—who refused to take supply, and, accordingly, the Ballinamult rural area was not listed for early development.
The board state that this area will again be considered in the autumn of this year but the prospects of it being selected for development in priority to other areas, are not considered to be good unless a higher percentage of householders agree to accept supply.