andMr. MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will introduce a grant scheme to assist existing and new householders in isolated areas who are unable to avail of the ESB post-development scheme.
27.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Rural Electricification.
26.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has yet arranged that the excessive charges sought by the ESB for new connections, particularly to houses in rural areas may be paid on a two-monthly instalment system.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.
I am informed by the ESB that capital contributions for connection to the electricity supply are directly related to the costs involved in making supply available. Due to the magnitude of the capital financing programme to which the board is committed the board regrets to be unable to accept capital contributions by way of deferred payments.
The present post-development rural electrification scheme under which supply is subsidised in rural areas, will come to an end on 31st March, 1975. Once an area has been developed under the scheme subsidised terms are no longer available and capital contributions are required if the expected revenue from a premises does not cover the cost of making supply available. By 31st March, 1975 all areas will have been covered three times by a comprehensive canvass and construction programme and 98 per cent of all residences in the country will have supply. While there is no intention at this stage of continuing the scheme in its present form after 31st March, 1975, the question of the arrangements to apply after that date is at present under review.