asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is the intention of the Electricity Supply Board to take steps to provide the villages of Conna, Castlelyons, Rathcormac and Watergrasshill with electric current.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the areas mentioned by the Deputy have all been considered for the supply of electricity under the rural electrification scheme. In the case of Conna, a canvass of the area was carried out about two years ago by a local committee but the results were so disappointing that the application for supply was not pursued. It is understood that the local committee are again making a canvass in the area and the question of supply will be further considered when the results are available.
I am informed the other areas were examined in detail but that the results were so disappointing that the selection of these areas for development was not justified. The areas are, however, being regrouped at present but it is not possible to say whether in the result it will be possible for the Electricity Supply Board to select these areas or any of them for development.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will ascertain from the Electricity Supply Board the reason for the prolonged delay in acquiring the privately owned plant at present providing electric current to the town of Ballyconnell, County Cavan, and if he will urge upon the board the desirability of expeditiously concluding the unduly protracted negotiations.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that there has been no delay on their part in connection with the negotiations for the acquisition of the Ballyconnell, County Cavan, electricity undertaking. I see no reason to take the action suggested by the Deputy in the second part of the question. I should add that in any event the matter is one to be dealt with by the board in the discharge of its statutory functions and I have no responsibility.