asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the residents of the villages of Garoman, Athry and Glanhoughan have not been given electricity from the main service line between Galway and Clifden, and, if so, if he will state the factors which prevent the economic development of rural electrification in such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
I am informed by the E.S.B. that these three villages are included in the Clifden rural area which has already been developed under the rural electrification scheme and that in the case of Garoman and Athry supply has been extended to a number of houses. The extension of supply to other residents of Garoman and Athry and to residents of Glanhoughan involves consideration of special service charges, and, under statute, the fixing of charges for electricity is a matter solely for the E.S.B. in respect of which I have no function.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when the E.S.B. propose to extend rural electrification to Newmarket parish, County Cork.
I am informed by the E.S.B. that the Newmarket area, County Cork, which includes the greater part of the parish of Newmarket has been considered for selection by the board on a number of occasions for development under the rural electrification scheme but has not so far been selected as its returns have not compared favourably with those of other areas still awaiting development in the board's Tralee district. I am also informed that although the percentage of householders who have agreed to take supply is high the low density of population adversely affects the economics of extending supply.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when the E.S.B. propose to extend rural electrification to the townlands of Knocknaboul, Turrengarriv and Mount Falvey, Ballydesmond, County Kerry.
I am informed by the E.S.B. that the three townlands mentioned are included in the Ballydesmond area which has been developed under the rural electrification scheme. I am also informed that, owing to the location of the townlands and their remoteness from the nearest electricity network, it was not found possible to extend supply to the householders in them at the normal rates of fixed charge. Arrangements have been made by the board to notify the householders of the special fixed charges at which supply can be extended to them.