asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when the E.S.B. last carried out a canvass in the Knock, Inverin, Ballinahown, Rossaveel, Carraroe, Lettermore and Lettermullen areas, and the percentage of householders who were prepared to accept service; and when the board expects to be in a position to extend rural electrification to these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
I am informed by the E.S.B. that the Carraroe area which includes Knock-Inverin, Ballinahown and Rossaveel has recently been selected for development by the board and it is anticipated that work on the erection of the network will commence towards the end of the year.
I am also informed that an official canvass of the Lettermore area, which includes Lettermullen, was completed last February and that 57 per cent. of the householders agreed to take supply. The area was recently considered for selection by the board but was not selected as its returns did not compare favourably with those for other areas still awaiting development in the Galway district. The area will be reconsidered in due course and the board's decision will depend on how its returns then compare with those for other areas awaiting development in the Galway district. The board has stated that the prospects of the area being selected would be considerably improved if further householders would agree to take supply.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether there is a minimum of acceptances below which a district will not be considered at all?
No, there is not a minimum percentage of acceptances. Percentage of acceptances is only one factor in deciding priority of areas.