asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what steps are being taken for the extension of the Electricity Supply Board's services to Cahirciveen and to the whole of the Iveragh peninsula including Valentia Island.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Electricity Supply Board Services for South-West Kerry.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that a preliminary survey of the problem of supply to Cahirciveen and the Iveragh Peninsula, including Valentia Island, has been made but in view of the distance from the main transmission system extension of supply cannot be contemplated at present.
Is the Minister aware that this district is in an undeveloped area and if industries or factories are to be set up the first essential is to have electric power? Would the Minister not see that the Electricity Supply Board take some steps to bring rural electrification to this area as soon as possible?
It is intended to extend rural electrification throughout the whole country but in this area in which the main transmission system has not been extended it will obviously be a larger operation than in many other areas.