asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the urgent need for a rural electrification scheme at Milltown, County Kerry; and, if so, whether he will request the Electricity Supply Board to take the necessary action in the matter at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
The Electricity Supply Board has informed me that the network required for the Milltown area will be recosted with a view to its being again considered for development and that the matter will be before the board for decision towards the end of this year.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate whether the development of Castletownbere area for rural electrification has commenced and when it is hoped to complete the work.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that a preliminary survey of the Castletownbere rural area will begin early in November, 1951, and the board hope that the erection of the network will commence about the end of that month and be completed towards the end of May, 1952.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the recent large increase in the capital cost of erecting distribution lines under the rural electrification scheme has resulted in many more consumers being subjected to an excess on their fixed charge and if he will state when the ratio of 17½ to one was fixed, and whether, in view of the increased cost of erection, he will now increase the ratio.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that there has been no recent large increase in the capital cost of erecting lines under the rural electrification scheme. In the past 12 months the net increase in costs has been approximately 8 per cent., and this has resulted in the application of a higher fixed charge to certain consumers.
The 17½ to one ratio of capital cost to fixed charge revenue was fixed in 1946 when work on the scheme started and the question of what adjustments should be made as a result of the increased capital cost will be considered by the board at an early date.
Can the Minister state what is the rate of interest charged by the Minister for Finance to the Electricity Supply Board in respect of all moneys advanced for this purpose?
Did Deputy McGilligan not tell the Deputy when he was Minister?