asked the Minister for Transport and Power when it is proposed to provide electricity supply to the remaining inhabitated islands off the south-west coast of Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Islands Electricity Supply.
2.
I am informed by the ESB that residents of islands off the south-west coast of Cork which can be connected to the ESB network will be given the opportunity of obtaining electricity supply during the final development of the areas on the mainland adjacent to the islands. The board are aware of only two such islands—Dursey, located near the board's Cahermore rural area which is due for development in 1973-74 and Hare Island, located near the board's Baltimore rural area which is due for development in 1974-75.
Would the Minister not agree that islands have a special case for electrification? Will he not agree also that it is a great disadvantage to have to live on an island without electricity and, that being so, would it not be possible to provide electricity to these islands in the latter part of this year? I have been asked to put this before the Minister and the board. There is a special case for this kind of service to islands.
The Deputy is making a reasonable case and I shall certainly bring the matter to the notice of the ESB with a view to advancing the date of electricity supply to the islands.