asked the Minister for Transport and Power what proposals there are to provide electricity to the Aran Isles, County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
15.
: As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to his question on 12th June, 1968, it was found that the provision of a full electricity supply on the Aran Islands would be too costly, and the possibility of a local scheme providing a limited supply would be examined.
This examination is being pursued in concert with Roinn na Gaeltachta.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say when he will have this report?
Within a reasonable time.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary give a more reasonable answer than that?
What could be more reasonable than that?
We know the type of answer we get from the Department. Would it be six months or three months?
It depends on the extent of the examination. We are endeavouring to come up with the result as soon as possible.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary expedite a decision on this?
I have been doing that. Other Deputies have been pressing me too.
16.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the present position regarding the extension of the electricity supply to householders in rural areas adjacent to Kenmare, Kilgarvan, Templenoe, Sneem, Caherdaniel, Tuosist-Lauragh, County Kerry; and if he will give details of the new rate of charge.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that canvassing under the Rural Electrification Post Development Scheme has been completed in the Kilgarvan rural area and construction work is expected to commence there in April or May next. The Board's rural areas of Templenoe, Sneem, Caherdaniel and Tuosist, which includes Lauragh, will be canvassed in that order but as it is not known how many householders will accept the revised terms for supply, it is not possible at this stage to give a definite date as to when work will commence in these areas. However, all are expected to be completed by the end of 1971.
The general effect of the revised terms was stated by me in reply to a question by Deputy Gilhawley on 24th October, 1968.