asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in view of the importance of electricity for farmhouses which cater for guests, he will make a statement on the prospect of rural electrification being brought to all such farmhouses as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
31.
It is already the policy of the Electricity Supply Board to deal, out of turn, with applications for connection of guesthouses which are registered by Bord Fáilte. These guesthouses are in fact one of the priority categories. If the Deputy has any particular case in mind, I will be glad to have it examined on receipt of details.
(Cavan): Is the Minister not aware that only guesthouses which are registered under Bord Fáilte are given priority treatment and that guesthouses in lakeland districts which in fact cater for tourists are not given priority unless they are registered?
I am so aware.
(Cavan): Would the Minister not consider giving priority treatment to houses which cater for tourists?
The ESB find it difficult to distinguish between bona fide caterers and others and that is why they have confined this priority arrangement to registered guesthouses.
(Cavan): Surely the Minister is aware that a great number of farmhouses adjacent to water in lakeland districts cater for guests? I am sure the Minister is aware of that.
The question relates to guesthouses. I am calling Question No. 32.
I am aware that there is an amount of farmhouse accommodation but that has been the decision of the ESB.
(Cavan): It should be changed.