asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will take steps to declare areas of Laois-Offaly as disadvantaged so that they can qualify for the benefits of the ESB connection subsidy as many people in the area are unable to meet the high cost of connection to new houses in rural areas; and if, in view of the fact that the subsidy is payable in areas which are economically similar to those of Laois-Offaly, he will take suitable action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Connection Subsidy.
40.
The declaration of further areas of Laois-Offaly as disadvantaged would not mean that inhabitants of those areas would qualify for aid towards the capital cost of electricity supply as provided for in Regulation EEC/1820/80. This regulation applies only to areas which form part of the western region within the meaning of Directive 75/272/EEC.