asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of applicants for ESB service in South-West Cork; and the arrangements made in the different districts to provide service for them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Services in South-West Cork.
22.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that there are 28 rural areas in South West Cork. Connection was offered in all areas under the original rural electrification scheme. Work under the current post development scheme has been completed in seven areas and is proceeding in two others. Another area has been recanvassed.
The Board do not keep statistics of the number of applications for connection in an area, since a recanvass has to be carried out before the post development scheme for the area is designed. The Board plan to cover the remaining areas over a three year period.
I understood that the Minister was to elaborate on the question of the areas. That was the question I asked—to ascertain for the information of the people in West Cork districts when they can expect they will be given the service. As the Parliamentary Secretary is aware, I have again and again made representations to the Departmental officials down there in order to get information for the people. My question today had the same purpose but I have not got the information I sought.
There are 28 rural areas concerned and the ESB do not keep details of individual applicants in each areas pending a recanvass of the individual areas. To the Deputy's question, my reply was that the ESB hope to be able to cover the remaining areas—19 of them—during the next three-year period.
Is this due to shortage of funds? May I remind the Parliamentary Secretary that I have been assured by the Minister those areas in West Cork would be serviced in 1966 and 1967. Now, 1966 has gone and 1967 is almost gone and that assurance has not been honoured. The people there have been disappointed. They are disappointed that the assurances given in the House by the Minister have not been honoured. Is it a question of shortage of funds? If it is, say so.
No, it is not a question of shortage of funds.
Then there is no reason why it should not be done.
The fall-back has been because of a shortage of funds in 1965-66. There was a fall in progress at that stage but now the position has been accelerated and we can say——
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the ESB are reducing their staff instead of increasing it in West Cork? Surely that is an indication that it is a question of money.
I do not accept they are reducing staff in West Cork.