asked the Minister for Energy when it is proposed to extend electrification to Clare Island, County Mayo; the cost involved; and the extra employment which it is estimated will be created in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Mayo Island Electricity Supply.
32.
I have been informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the provision of electricity supply to Clare Island, County Mayo, requires the building of a substantial structure to house the generator and associated equipment and also the erection of a network of overhead lines to bring supply to the customers. The time taken to construct the building will determine the date of supply to customers. The design and specification have been completed and a consultant has been engaged to oversee completion of the building. In normal circumstances the board would expect the building to be completed in six to nine months. The earliest date possible for supply to customers would be October 1981 but this date cannot be regarded as other than an estimate based on the most favourable progress of construction.
As the ESB are bearing the cost, the amount which will be involved is a matter for them. During the construction period there would be short-term employment for persons from the locality but the board have informed me that it would be premature to estimate numbers at this time. Additional long-term employment of a part-time nature will probably be available in the co-operative which is being formed to operate the system.
Will the cost to the consumers be based on the 1976 Rural Electrification (Amendment) Act?
The terms of the Government's decision governing this matter are that the cost to the consumers on the islands was not to exceed the cost in similar circumstances on the mainland.
Will it be a continuation of the 1976 Amendment Act where by the Government subsidised, above a certain rate, the installation of electricity to these consumers?
Sorry, whereby?
Whereby the Government subsidised, above a certain rate, the cost of connection of the electricity supply?
Yes. In comparable circumstances whatever would be paid by a consumer on the mainland would be the maximum charge to a consumer on the islands.