asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when it is proposed to extend rural electrification to the districts of Castleisland Rural and Knocknagoshel, County Kerry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
I am informed by the E.S.B. that the Castleisland area has been considered for development on a number of occasions but has not so far been successful. It will be considered again in due course. The Knocknagoshel area has been canvassed and will also be considered by the board early next year. I am not in a position to state, however, when development of either area is likely to take place.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will state the position regarding the possibility of the early development of the long outstanding rural electrification scheme for the Kilbeacanty, Shanaglish district, County Galway.
I am informed by the E.S.B. that the Kilbeacanty area, which includes Shanaglish, has been considered by the board on a number of occasions for development under the rural electrification scheme but has not so far been selected. The area will be considered again in due course, but I am not in a position to state when development is likely to take place.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will advise the E.S.B. to consider the linking up of the area between Kilcolgan and Craughwell, County Galway, at an early date.
I am informed by the E.S.B. that the results of a local canvass carried out by the residents of the Kiltiernan area, which includes the area between Kilcolgan and Craughwell, have been received. I am also informed that when the official canvass of the area,which will begin early in the New Year has been completed, the area will be considered for selection by the board for development under the rural electrification scheme. I am not, however, in a position to state when such development is likely to take place.
How is it that when the Minister is asked questions concerning C.I.E. he has no information to give but when he is asked a question about the E.S.B. he can give the information?
That is an entirely separate question.
That is not correct. It is true that I could easily and justifiably reply to these question about rural electrification by saying that they were entirely matters for the E.S.B. I have established the practice of replying here because of the recognised desire of Deputies to see this scheme extended, but I try to make it clear that in so far as giving information to the House is concerned, I am only the postman for the E.S.B.