asked the Minister for Transport and Power when a person (name supplied) expects to be supplied with electric light; the distance the applicant lives from the nearest ESB line; and the amount of money sought by the ESB the last time the person was given a quotation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
11.
I am informed by the ESB that the householder in question lives in the board's Glenamaddy rural area and has already had an opportunity of accepting the electricity supply under the rural electrification planned post-development programme. The house is situated about 650 yards from the nearest suitable point of supply and connection was offered at a total bi-monthly charge of £4.58 including a bi-monthly special service charge of £3.54.
The post-development programme is proceeding on a planned basis, area by area, so as to ensure that the available resources are utilised to the best possible extent. It is envisaged that the programme will be completed by 1975. In the meantime all unconnected householders in the Glenamaddy rural area will be given another opportunity of accepting supply but this cannot be arranged until work under the post-development programme has been carried out in all outstanding areas in the ESB's Galway district.
Does the Minister think that the amount sought is unreasonable?
This man is in a very remote area and that is his problem. He is 650 yards from the nearest suitable point of supply.
That is in the estimation of the board.
Yes, but they are the people——
This is an answer concocted by the Department and the board so that this man cannot get a supply. He lives only 250 yards from the nearest supply line.
He has caused his own trouble by refusing connection already. He will get more favourable terms under the new development by reason of the subsidy introduced in 1968 and he will be quoted in his time for such and the total programme will be finished by 1975.
(Cavan): Did I understand the Minister correctly? Did he say that if this man lives in a remote area it is his problem?
I did not say that.
(Cavan): I certainly hope that this does not represent the policy of the Government towards people living in rural Ireland.
I would ask the Deputy not to misquote me, please.
I heard the Minister say it.
(Cavan): If this is the Minister's attitude, it is disgraceful.
Arising from the Minister's reply, are we to take it that because a person lives in a remote area the board will be allowed to charge him a penal rate for electricity connection?
It is not a penal rate but the rate must be more than that quoted for a person who is nearer the point of supply. This is common sense. However, under the scheme of subsidisation introduced by the Government in 1968 all of these people in the more remote areas will come in under more favourable terms than existed prior to 1968.
Not all of them.
By reason of the Government subsidy the terms quoted to this particular person are much more favourable than the terms quoted prior to 1968.
I take it this is rural electrification?
Would the Minister not accept that a system such as is applicable in the case of farmers who purchase lime should be applied to this man and others in a similar position? Irrespective of distance from the location of lime quarries the person gets the lime at a standard price. Surely it is much more important to get light at a standard price? A man living 80 miles from a limekiln will get a ton of lime at the same price as a person living near the limekiln. Surely this is the obvious system to deal with this man in Galway? Why should a person be punished for living in a remote area?
That is the ultimate plan.
Can the Minister give a guarantee that the quotation will be somewhat less than was given previously?
It will be substantially less than the quotation given in 1968, due to the Government subsidy scheme.