asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of households on Omey Island, County Galway, who will benefit under the new limited rural electrification scheme; and the cost of providing supply to these households.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
1.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of households in Derryvoreeds, Derryvealams, Illion East, Illion West, Lehenagh and Tamnaughmore in the Recess area of County Galway who will benefit under the new limited rural electrification scheme; and the total cost of providing supply to them.
3.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of households in County Galway which can benefit under the new limited scheme of rural electrification; and the estimated cost of giving supply to these households.
Cavan): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the ESB that they estimate the number of applicants likely to benefit under the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill, 1976, in the areas mentioned as follows: Omey Island, 13; Derryvoreeds, four; Derryvealams, 7; Illion East, one; Illion West, two; Lehenagh, two; Tamnaughmore, 4; County Galway, total, 326.
The board add that it is not possible to indicate at present the cost of supplying electricity to such applicants. The cost of supply to each applicant will be determined after he confirms his acceptance of the terms under the proposed scheme.
When will the ESB be able to make an offer to the people who qualified but who do not yet know what they qualify for?
(Cavan): The new scheme applies to applicants who were offered subsidised electricity under the last rural scheme on conditions which included a capital lump sum. The present scheme provides that all those people will now be entitled to electricity on the basis of an annual charge of £36.40 and no other payment whatsoever.
Is the Minister aware that the ESB's answers to inquiries is that they are not aware of the details of the scheme and cannot answer specific questions in relation to persons who may or may not qualify?
(Cavan): I am surprised at that, Deputy. The probable explanation is that this scheme was covered by legislation. Only yesterday I piloted the Bill through the Seanad. A leaflet is being prepared by the ESB and it will be available shortly.