asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a statement on the proposal to provide electric power to the Aran Islands, County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aran Islands Electricity Supply.
7.
It has recently been announced that special arrangements will be made for the provision of electricity on the more populous Gaeltacht Islands where the normal supply will not be available. Details of the arrangements are being worked out in conjunction with Roinn na Gaeltachta.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary indicate when a start will be made on this and what particular islands of the Aran Islands will be involved? There are two or three islands there.
I could not state when the proposal will actually commence in regard to the Aran Islands but the likelihood is, of course, that Inishmore will be served in the first instance.
Do I take it that the extension of power will be to the whole island and not merely to Kilronan?
We would certainly envisage providing electricity for the whole island.
In view of the fact that it is a tourist area can the Parliamentary Secretary indicate what hope the other islands—Inishere and Inishmaan —have?
The whole area of the Aran Islands is being considered. I am not saying at this stage whether the extension is likely to take place this year. I could not say that at this stage. It is now March and it is rather unlikely that the extension will be provided this year.
The Parliamentary Secretary mentioned the more populous islands. Do I take it that it will be confined to Kilronan?
No. The Deputy has a misconception here. I said: "It has recently been announced that special arrangements will be made for the provision of electricity on the more populous Gaeltacht Islands where the normal supply will not be available." As a matter of fact it is not confined to the Aran Islands. We expect to start in Cape Clear.
I am not asking about other islands at the moment.
I will tell the Deputy all about it after Questions.
The Deputy has a lot to learn. He can tell me nothing.