asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will ensure that the E.S.B. in carrying out an official canvass of the Rosses area for rural electrification purposes will include the island of Arranmore in the canvass.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification Scheme.
I have been informed by the E.S.B. that it is not proposed to include the island of Arranmore in the proposed canvass of the Rosses area under the rural electrification scheme as the cost of transmitting power to the island would so affect the economics of development in the Rosses area that the selection of the area would be impeded.
The selection of areas for development under the rural electrification scheme and the determination of the extent of such areas are matters for the board in which I do not intervene.
Are we going to have another large Gaeltacht left in the dark?
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when the rural electrification scheme will be extended to the Kealkil, Bantry, district.
I have been informed by the E.S.B. that the Kealkil area, Bantry, which was recently considered for selection for development under the rural electrification scheme was not selected as its returns did not compare favourably with those of other areas still awaiting development in the board's Cork district. The area will be considered again in due course but while a higher percentage of acceptances would improve the prospect of the area being selected at an early date, I am not in a position to state when development is likely to take place.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the urgent necessity for carrying through the rural electrification schemes at Milltown and Beaufort, County Kerry, and if he is in a position to announce the decision of the E.S.B. in the matter.
I have been informed by the E.S.B. that the Milltown and Beaufort areas have not yet been successful when considered for selection by the board for development under the rural electrification scheme as so far neither area has shown as good returns as other areas in the board's Tralee district. While the areas will again be considered I am unable to say when their development is likely to take place.