asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) what formula is used by the Electricity Supply Board in the selection of areas for rural electrification in each county; (b) how many schemes are at present in course of erection; (c) how many schemes have been completed to date and (d) how many schemes will be in operation by 31st December next.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification Schemes.
In order that the benefits of the rural electrification scheme might be spread as widely as possible throughout the country, the Electricity Supply Board selected one area for development in each county. The selection of additional areas for development is regulated by the available supply of materials and labour, and preference is being given to those areas which give the most favourable financial return.
Twenty schemes are at present in course of construction and 12 have been completed to date. It is estimated that by the 31st December next the schemes in 27 areas will have been completed and that supply will be available to some premises in other areas.