andMr. J. Brennan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when it is intended to have the Electricity Supply Board network extended to Narin, Portnoo and Rosbeg in County Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the villages of Narin and Portnoo are included in the Ardara area in which work on the erection of the rural electrification network has commenced. It is expected that supply will be available in these villages in the early autumn.
The townland of Rosbeg is not included in the area being developed as the financial return is low. The possibility of extending the current to Rosbeg will, however, be reinvestigated by the board before construction work in the Ardara area is completed.
Rosbeg is a fishing village and, as such, it should take precedence over the other areas. Perhaps, the Minister would ask the Electricity Supply Board to bear that in mind when making a resurvey of the area?
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it is the intention of the Electricity Supply Board to extend the rural electrification scheme to the Ballina area, County Tipperary.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the Ballina neighbourhood, County Tipperary, is included in the Derrycastle rural area which was considered for selection by the board in February, 1952. The area has not so far been selected for development as its financial return is low in comparison with that of other areas. The area will be reconsidered by the board from time to time.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will ascertain why the Millstreet area, County Cork, was not accepted for extension of rural electrification in March last in view of the fact that there was an acceptance ratio of over 90 per cent. in the last canvas and that the original canvass inaugurated over three years ago produced a ratio of 77 per cent.; and, further, if, in view of the additional fact that a canning factory which would give much needed permanent employment to between 40 and 50 operatives would be opened if electric current were available, he will state the approximate month when the electrification of the area may be expected.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that notwithstanding the good percentage of acceptances in the Millstreet area the financial return having regard to the capital cost of the extension is low compared with other areas. The reason is that the houses are more widely scattered in the Millstreet area than is usually the case. The area will be reconsidered by the board at intervals of three to four months but it is not possible to give an indication as to when development under the scheme may take place.