asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is correct that, following upon a survey by the Electricity Supply Board in the Ballymacean-Gullane area, Clonakilty, County Cork, the householders were informed by the board that the rural electrification scheme would be extended to their area and that in consequence many of them had their houses wired in advance but that, following upon the withdrawal of one householder from the scheme, the board has now refused to connect up the remainder; and, if so, whether he will arrange to have the position further considered by the board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electrification in Cork.
Mr. Murphy
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that arrangements to provide a supply of electricity to the Ballymacean-Gullane area of Clonakilty were put in train following the receipt of 16 acceptances of the terms on which supply would be provided. During the course of construction, four of those who had originally accepted refused to take supply; and the extension of the rural electrification scheme to the area had to be withheld for economic reasons because, as a result of these refusals, the fixed charge revenue dropped to an uneconomic level. Two additional acceptances were received later, but the scheme still remained uneconomic and consequently the Electricity Supply Board were compelled to terminate the work on the scheme. Before work was actually terminated, however, those parties who still continued to be interested were informed that supply could be provided if they would accept an increased fixed charge, but they intimated that they were not interested on such terms. The matter will be reviewed at a later stage if the parties concerned accept an increased fixed charge or if a sufficient additional number of acceptances of supply is received to make the scheme an economic one.
Is there any area in the country where the revenue from fixed charges is at an economic level?
I do not suppose there is.